Environmental Sustainability
In recognition of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Abacus Self Storage had 112 trees planted by Tree Canada, which is equal to one tree for each kilowatt hour saved by the solar panel installation. (Tree Canada is the largest tree planting charity in Canada.
Prior to this installation, Abacus installed an LED lighting system and motion sensors throughout the Abacus facility. both of which were designed to minimize electrical consumption.
In addition, and to reduce heat loss and thereby reduce natural gas consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions, Abacus installed a new steel roof with high R-value insulation over a large part of the property. The insulation also keeps the building cooler in summer months.
For many years, it has been Abacus’ practice to keep interior storage area/unit temperatures at about 8 to 10 degrees Celsius in winter (about 48 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Again, the goal is to minimize natural gas consumption and thereby reduce related greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time making the building at least reasonably comfortable and safe in the winter months.
The Abacus emergency electricity generator is powered by natural gas as opposed to diesel or gasoline, again aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. (The generator has on several occasions kept the heat and lights on during prolonged electrical power supply outages from the local hydro authority.)
