Photo: Contributed
Space Centre Storage has installed 119 50 kWh solar panels to the roof of its main facility.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly popular with businesses, and more are providing green services or installing renewable energy equipment on their buildings.
Space Centre Storage in Kelowna is hopping on this green initiative by installing 119 solar panels to the roof of its facility.
Wanting to find ways to be more environmentally friendly, aside from recycling, seemed to be Space Centre’s next big green step. Brett Martyna, special projects manager, wants to encourage the storage industry to go green because it is a low-risk investment with a high return.
“It is an investment into the future, but because of the 25-year warranty it is almost a guaranteed return on investment. Our solar panels handle half of our energy consumption, which is super cool,” Martyna says.
Currently, Space Centre Storage has installed 50kWh solar panels onto its roof. But it wants to do more. It wants the BC Utilities Commission to increase the allowance for net-metering, which will result in the ability to reduce more of its power consumption. Being a climate-controlled storage facility with 24-hour surveillance, it wants to diminish its energy use. Martyna predicts it should see a 50% reduction in its energy consumption per year with its facility.
Wanting to support other local companies to help it along its green journey, Space Centre Storage chose Roost Solar in Vernon to work alongside.
“They were the best, knowledgeable, timely, great with communication and clearly passionate about what they do,” Martyna says.
This renewable energy company serves the Thompson-Okanagan, including Vernon, Salmon Arm, Kamloops, Kelowna and surrounding rural areas. It provides solar systems for agriculture, residential and commercial applications.
The future is bright for the storage company.
Martyna is pushing for change with Fortis BC and the BC Utilities Commission to increase its metering allowances.
“The more people that ask for it, the sooner it will be increased,” he says. “We should be encouraging people to be going green. Let’s push to align Kelowna’s climate action plan with our power consumption.”
He believes every green purchase reflects on the company, and it is catering to its customers who have the same environmental values.
Space Centre Storage has been in business since 1985 and is the largest and most established storage facility in Kelowna. With more than 400,000 square feet of space, it is unrivalled.
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.
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