LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop” or the “Company”), a self-managed and fully integrated self storage company, announced today it was named a top corporate solar user in 2022 by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). SmartStop ranked in the top one percent in the number of solar installations at its owned and managed properties. In addition, SmartStop ranked in the top six percent for solar adoption capacity (in megawatts) among the more than 5,000 businesses surveyed.

SEIA, the national trade association for the solar and storage industry, tracks and analyzes commercial solar adoption in the U.S. in its Solar Means Business 2022 report. According to the report released on November 29, 2022, American companies are installing record levels of solar to power their operations and now account for 14% of all installed solar capacity in the United States.

“SmartStop strives to be a leader in environmental sustainability and values the recognition of the SEIA,” said H. Michael Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of SmartStop. “Several years ago, we recognized that we could make an impact by powering our locations using renewable, clean energy.” said Schwartz. “We plan to continue the expansion of our solar program with installations at existing and newly acquired facilities across the country, and it’s a win-win because it improves profitability for our stockholders.”

SmartStop recognizes the importance of minimizing the impact of its operations on the environment and integrating environmental considerations into its business practices. SmartStop has implemented several energy-saving and waste-reduction initiatives along with solar panels. The majority of SmartStop locations feature interior motion-sensing lights, and energy-saving LED lights are used throughout the interiors and exteriors. SmartStop’s technology platform allows customers to use the company’s website or call center to generate paperless reservations and rentals.

“Solar Means Business highlights the incredible flexibility of solar, whether it’s installed on a warehouse roof, on a carport or at an offsite facility, showing the various ways that companies are meeting their needs with clean, affordable energy,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

Solar Means Business tracks over 47,000 corporate solar installations nationwide, which combined generate enough electricity to power 3.2 million homes and offset 20.4 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Total commercial solar installations are expected to double again over the next three years with nearly 27 GW of offsite corporate solar projects scheduled to come online by 2025.

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop):

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 450 self storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self storage programs. As of November 30, 2022, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 176 properties in 22 states and Ontario, Canada, comprising approximately 120,600 units and 13.7 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 20 operating self storage properties in the Greater Toronto Area, which total approximately 17,050 units and 1.7 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

Contacts

David Corak
VP of Corporate Finance

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

949-542-3331

IR@smartstop.com

The New Real Estate Tech Company is Making Luxury Vacation Home Ownership Accessible for Canadians Through Unique Co-Ownership Model

VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Canada’s luxury vacation home co-ownership company, wecasa, officially launches. The real estate technology business has announced its first two Canadian properties in British Columbia, ahead of several additional properties in BC and Ontario in the coming months. Starting today, Canadians can co-own homes in Whistler and the Okanagan. Each home can be shared by a minimum of two and a maximum of eight wecasa owners. In contrast to traditional timeshares and many other forms of fractional ownership, wecasa owners share ownership of a distinct luxury home. When they’re finished enjoying their vacation home, they can sell their ownership and receive the benefit of any appreciation in the value of the property.

Co-ownership of fully managed second homes is a fast-growing category in the US – fuelled by unprecedented demand for leisure properties from remote workers and retiring boomers. wecasa is the first company to solve the unique regulatory and financing challenges in Canada to bring the proven second home co-ownership model to local buyers and properties. Unlike owning a second home all to yourself, wecasa provides a full-service, tech enabled solution that manages the property and removes the burden of maintenance and budgeting.

Currently, most luxury second homes sit empty for the majority of the time, meanwhile demand for second homes has never been higher. wecasa aims to solve this long-term supply and demand imbalance by allowing existing owners to right-size their ownership in their second home to the amount of time they use.

“At wecasa, we see an opportunity to fundamentally change the way Canadian vacation property is owned by offering a superior ownership experience for a fraction of the price through fully managed co-ownership,” said Mark Proudfoot, Co-founder and CEO of wecasa. “We believe that systemic shifts like flexible work and baby boomers retiring at unprecedented rates will continue to create growing demand for a finite amount of second home inventory. By introducing co-ownership to the Canadian market, we will increase the utilization of high-cost luxury homes, which in turn will reduce the number of buyers competing for single-family vacation dwellings at more affordable price points.”

wecasa aims to be Canada’s number one choice for vacation home ownership. The company is partnering with leading real estate agents to acquire elevated second homes in the most desired locations and is rolling out an agent partnership program to incentivize agents to introduce their clients to wecasa.

wecasa’s exclusive new properties include:

1. Whistler: A gorgeous, architecturally designed mountain home is the ideal year-round luxury retreat. The 5,200 sqft oasis sits on a 16,000 sqft lot with expansive views of Whistler Blackcomb. The outdoor living space boasts a large pool and hot tub with built-in heaters throughout. The luxury home includes five main bedrooms, seven baths and a two bedroom suite, making it the perfect escape for family and friends.
2. Naramata: Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, the quiet village of Naramata offers artisan shops, wineries, a farmers market and beautiful beaches and parks located just across the street from this brand new development. The main level offers a bright open floor plan with a modern kitchen, dining area, cozy living space, and powder room. The massive private roof top comes complete with open and closed patio areas, an outdoor kitchen, a gas fireplace, and breathtaking views of Okanagan lake.

To learn more about wecasa’s brand new listings, including how to become a co-owner, please visit: https://www.we.casa/

About wecasa

wecasa is a real estate tech company that helps people own luxury second homes for a fraction of the price and without the traditional hassles of ownership. They do this through a tech-enabled co-ownership model that’s designed specifically for Canadians. The company was founded in 2021 by Mark Proudfoot and Alex Conconi, and is backed by a core group of entrepreneurs and real estate experts who are passionate about making the future of living and working better. For more information visit: https://www.we.casa/

Contacts

Media
Dan Gamble

dan@dg-pr.com
778-873-0422