How Shurgard will achieve Net-Zero by 2030: Developing a multi-country energy roadmap

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Impact

Shurgard operates across the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Belgium and Denmark, presenting a complex emissions profile that spans multiple regulatory environments and energy markets. While the company had established clear sustainability targets, translating these targets into a coherent implementation strategy required specialized expertise.

Shurgard’s Facility and Sustainability Director, Hans Van Lierde, recognized this gap and engaged AYA Energy to develop a comprehensive energy roadmap that would chart the course to net zero while optimizing financial returns.

Building a structured roadmap to Net Zero

Creating an effective decarbonisation strategy is not simply about identifying potential emission reduction measures. It requires prioritising actions based on impact, financial returns, and implementation feasibility, particularly when working with limited internal resources across multiple countries.

For Shurgard, the key challenge was developing a systematic approach that would:

✔ Sequence decarbonisation measures in order of impact and return on investment
✔ Address both electricity and heating-related emissions
✔ Function effectively across diverse European energy markets
✔ Progress steadily toward the 2030 target while maintaining financial discipline

The Solution: Market-Based Curtailment by AYA

AYA developed a comprehensive energy strategy and implementation roadmap for Shurgard that prioritised actions based on leverage and financial return. This methodical approach ensured that the highest-impact, most cost-effective measures would be implemented first, creating a foundation for subsequent initiatives.

The roadmap included several key categories of action:

  1. Energy efficiency measures: Shurgard had already implemented some high-return efficiency improvements, such as converting to LED lighting.
  2. Heating system transitions: The roadmap identified the conversion from gas heating to heat pumps as a significant opportunity for reducing scope 1 emissions, which Shurgard is implementing progressively across its facilities.
  3. On-site renewable generation: Solar panel installations were identified as a key strategic component, with AYA providing end-to-end implementation support.
  4. Battery storage systems: The roadmap included battery installations where the business case demonstrated profitability.
  5. Power Purchase Agreements and Guarantees of Origin: For remaining grid electricity needs, the strategy incorporated PPAs and guaranties of origin to address emissions.

Implementation in action: UK solar installation programme

Moving from strategy to execution, AYA helped Shurgard to implement solar installations across 36 of its UK stores. This project demonstrates the practical implementation of the roadmap, with AYA providing comprehensive support:

  • Creating detailed technical specifications for the solar installations
  • Managing competitive bidding among qualified installers to secure optimal pricing and quality
  • Overseeing installation progress and quality control
  • Conducting thorough on-site verification inspections before final approval
  • Documenting compliance with specifications through detailed photographic evidence

This structured approach ensures that Shurgard receives properly installed systems that deliver the expected financial and emissions benefits, while minimising management burden on internal teams.

The AYA Flexibility Hub: Enabling the next phase of energy transition

As companies like Shurgard progress with their energy transition, they often face a new challenge: grid capacity constraints. The AYA Flexibility Hub offers a solution for organisations facing increasing electricity dependence while dealing with structural grid limitations.

The Flexibility Hub helps companies unlock additional capacity from existing grid connections through:

  • Intelligent battery systems that charge during low-load periods and discharge during peak operations
  • Detailed load profile analysis to identify flexibility windows specific to each site
  • Operational alignment that maintains business continuity while optimising energy usage

This approach enables businesses to add new infrastructure—such as EV chargers, heat pumps, or expanded facilities, without requiring costly grid reinforcements or facing lengthy connection delays. For organisations with net zero targets, the Flexibility Hub provides a critical tool for managing the increased electricity demand that comes with decarbonisation.

Talk to an AYA energy expert to learn how the Flexibility Hub can support your organisation’s journey toward net zero operations while maintaining operational flexibility and financial control.