U.K. self-storage operator Big Yellow Group PLC has appointed sustainability consultant Julia Hailes as a non-executive director to assist with the company’s environmental efforts. Scheduled to begin her role in March, Hailes will chair a newly created “board sustainability” committee that will provide oversight to Big Yellow’s strategic environmental objectives. She’ll also serve on the company’s audit, nomination and remuneration committees, according to a press release.

Since 2011, Big Yellow has reduced its CO2 emissions by 60 percent while increasing it leasable square footage by 20 percent during the same period, the release stated. “We are continuing to improve on our sustainability performance on a wide range of initiatives under the direction of Gabriella Zepf, our head of corporate social responsibility,” officials said.

Hailes has more than 30 years of experience in the sustainability sector. She’s co-written nine books on environmental issues and co-founded the SustainAbility think tank in 1987. She’s also the co-founder of Haller, a charity promoting sustainable agriculture in Kenya. She has served on numerous charitable boards and was a non-executive director of Jupiter Global Green Investment Trust from 2001 to 2006.

"We are delighted to welcome Julia to the board,” said Nicholas Vetch, executive chairman. “Julia's appointment builds on our objective of introducing board members with different and diverse experience and perspectives. I am confident that Julia will add significant value to the board and the company."

Big Yellow operates 99 self-storage locations in the United Kingdom under the Big Yellow Self Storage and Armadillo Self Storage brand names, with most concentrated in Greater London and Southeast England. Its total portfolio comprises 5.7 million square feet.

Sources:
Big Yellow, Non-Executive Director Appointment
Morningstar, Big Yellow Hires Sustainability Consultant Hailes as Non-Exec Director