Safestore Holdings plc
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2018-09 to 2019-08, 2020, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2018-09 to 2019-08
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Decent work and economic growth
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 17.8% to 4,798 tonnes CO2e
- Reduced electricity consumption by 11.7%
- Reduced gas consumption by 5.1%
- Reduced water consumption by 10.6%
- Reduced waste to landfill by 22.9%
- Achieved 100% renewable energy in UK owned stores
- Removed single-use plastics from merchandise packaging
Social Achievements
- Achieved Investors in People Gold accreditation
- Launched ‘Make the Difference’ people forum for colleague feedback
- Launched a new equality, diversity and inclusion policy
- Maintained leadership engagement score over 80%
- Delivered 30,000 hours of training (46 hours per colleague)
- 99.6% of colleagues on permanent contracts
- Zero fatal injuries, notices, or prosecutions
- 26 minor injuries recorded (customers and contractors)
- Provided £434,771 worth of free/discounted space to local community groups
Governance Achievements
- Updated policies on anti-corruption and bribery
- Reviewed whistleblowing policy
- Implemented robust GDPR compliance policies and training
Climate Goals & Targets
- Not disclosed
- Reduce waste to landfill by 50% vs 2016 baseline by 2025
- Reduce water consumption by 30% by 2025
- Decrease waste to landfill by 10% by 2025
- Reduce single-use plastics in construction by 75% in 2020/21, total ban in 2021/22
Environmental Challenges
- Reducing gas consumption in existing stores
- Further reducing water consumption
- Decreasing waste going to landfill
- Reducing electricity consumption in larger sites
Mitigation Strategies
- Phasing out gas in stores, using electric heating
- Implementing water efficiency measures
- Implementing a Waste Efficiency Programme
- Implementing initiatives to reduce electricity consumption
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- Alignment with modern slavery, anti-bribery, and GDPR policies
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Not disclosed
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: EPRA’s Best Practice Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting (sBPR), GRI Standards
Certifications: Investors in People Gold
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 8
- Goal 12
- Goal 13
Alignment of material sustainability issues with SDGs 8, 12, and 13.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Not disclosed
Awards & Recognition
- Gold Trusted Merchant award (six years running)
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Our people
- Our customers
- Our community
- Our environment
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced absolute carbon emissions by 47% vs 2013 baseline; on track to meet 50% reduction by 2022.
- Emissions intensity (per sq ft) 60% below 2013 levels.
- 100% renewable electricity in UK owned stores.
- 97% of construction waste diverted from landfill.
Social Achievements
- Maintained high customer satisfaction scores (94% Feefo, 93% Trustpilot UK; 93% Trustpilot France; 96% Google Spain).
- Won Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award.
- Provided 15,239 sq ft of free/discounted space to local community groups (worth £451,508).
- Supported various local and national charities.
- No fatal injuries, notices or prosecutions.
Governance Achievements
- GRESB ‘A’ rating in 2020 Public Disclosures assessment.
- EPRA Silver and ‘Most Improved’ Awards for 2019 disclosures.
- Full compliance with REIT legislation.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Reduce carbon emissions by 50% of 2012/13 baseline by 2022.
- Align Executive Director pension contributions with workforce by end of 2022.
- Reduce UK store waste to landfill by 50% by 2025 vs 2016/17 level.
- Increase female applicants to at least 40% by 2022.
Environmental Challenges
- Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on economic growth and operations.
- Potential for disruption from Covid-19 restrictions.
- Maintaining web leadership and relationship with Google.
- Brexit-related economic uncertainty.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented strict safeguarding measures across portfolio, in line with government guidance.
- Stores remained open or accessible during lockdowns.
- Supported employees with full salaries and recognition bonus.
- Continued investment in digital marketing platform.
- Maintained strong capital structure and financial flexibility.
- Monitored developments daily to ensure adherence to government advice.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Sustainable building materials, recycled content in construction, ethical trading initiative compliant uniform supplier.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Flooding (UK)
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes relating to minimum energy efficiency standards.
Opportunities
- Premium valuations for assets exceeding minimum energy efficiency standards.
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, EPRA sBPR, TCFD
Certifications: BREEAM, Investors in People Gold
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
- Goal 13: Climate action
Safestore's initiatives contribute to these goals through various ESG programs and targets.
Awards & Recognition
- GRESB ‘A’ rating, EPRA Silver and ‘Most Improved’ Awards, Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award, CCS Bronze Considerate Constructors Scheme 2020 National Site Award.
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Our People
- Our Customers
- Our Community
- Our Environment
Environmental Achievements
- 100% of construction waste diverted away from landfill in the UK
- 32 gas appliances removed from UK stores
- 19.4% reduction in market-based operational GHG intensity
- 100% of UK operations waste diverted from landfill
Social Achievements
- Published first diversity pay gap report
- 4.5+ customer satisfaction rating in all markets
- 41% reduction in accidents involving colleagues
- 20,941 sq ft of space provided to local charities worth £919,566
Governance Achievements
- Embedded sustainability into day-to-day responsibilities
- Executive compensation linked to ESG performance (carbon intensity KPI)
Climate Goals & Targets
- Operational net zero by 2035
- Achieve operational net zero by 2035
- Abs. operational GHG emissions (market based, tonnes CO2e) 820 by 2025
- Reduce UK store waste to landfill by 50% by 2025 vs 2016/17 level
- Reduce carbon emissions by 20% of 2021 baseline by 2025
- Maintain score >80% engagement score
- Zero reportable injuries (RIDDOR)
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions due to material costs and availability
- Climate change related physical risks (flooding)
- Transition risks from stricter environmental regulations (MEES)
- Meeting net-zero targets
Mitigation Strategies
- Avoid high-risk exposure areas for new stores; use mitigation solutions where necessary
- Engage planning authorities; identify and address regulatory changes
- Invest in energy efficiency improvements to meet MEES standards
- Implement a net-zero transition plan including renewable energy, consumption reduction, and carbon offsetting
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- Collaboration with suppliers to align with UN SDGs; sustainable construction principles; use of recycled materials
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Flooding
Transition Risks
- Stricter environmental regulations, carbon taxes on building materials
Opportunities
- Valuation premium for sustainable facilities; lower operating costs; revenue from excess power generation and EV charging
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: EPRA sBPR, GRI
Certifications: Investors in People Platinum
Third-party Assurance: Deloitte LLP (limited assurance)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
- Goal 13: Climate action
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Safestore aligns its sustainability priorities with these SDGs through various initiatives
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- 100% recycled and recyclable branded boxes
Awards & Recognition
- EPRA Sustainability BPR Awards Silver rating; GRESB A rating; MSCI AA rating; Support the Goals five-star rating