To piggyback on Elaine's last post, I'd like to refer our readers to a news item we just posted to the RSS feed regarding Planet Self Storage in Newington, Conn. The facility is receiving a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to help cover the cost of a solar-photovoltaic system that will provide for approximately 30 percent of the site's energy needs.
A couple of years ago, it seemed hardly anyone in self-storage was even interested in green building; now the stories and inquiries are staring to generate a real buzz (no pun intended). Please continue to keep us apprised if you are engaging in any energy-saving initiatives at your storage sites, even if they seem like simple, commonsense kind of things. I think fellow operators may be inspired. And, of course, I'm always in support of press that sheds positive light on our industry. Environmentally friendly building is not only a good way to make friends with the media and your local communities, it may keep you in tighter with planning and zoning boards as well.