Research from The Carbon Trust shows the UK catering industry could save over a quarter a billion pounds in energy costs every year. Furthermore, saving energy can directly increase revenue and profitability without the need to increase sales.
To make a noticeable and significant change over time, we recommend conducting an energy audit that will highlight some quick wins, but also help you map out a long-term sustainable plan. Below are some energy efficiency tips to get you started:
LED lighting makeover
- Replace traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED bulbs to illuminate your space while cutting down on electricity consumption. Whilst initially more expensive to purchase, LED bulbs have a considerably longer lifespan and better efficiency.
- Utilise smart lighting controls to adjust brightness based on occupancy and time of day. With electrical devices linked to your mobile or laptop, you can ensure lights are switched off even after you’ve left the premises.
Optimise heating and cooling systems
- Invest in advanced HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems with smart thermostats to regulate temperature efficiently. This can help to reduce energy usage and in turn reduce your monthly bills.
- Conduct regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency, whilst preventing any health and safety risks.
Energy-efficient appliances
- Upgrade to energy efficient certified appliances in your kitchen and bathroom facilities, aiming for products rating A-B and steering clear of those labelled as lower.
- Implement staff training programs to maximise the energy-saving features of modern appliances – your energy bills will thank you!
Windows that know the UK weather
- Invest in windows that are smart enough for the unpredictable UK climate. Keep the chill out and the cosy in – it’s like a warm hug for your place. Double glazed windows are a huge help in the colder months, preventing heat from escaping and requiring less radiators with fewer drafts.
- Similarly, smart blinds are like sunglasses for your windows, they let the light in but keep the heat cool.
Servicing boilers and pipes annually
- Regularly servicing your boilers by a reputable firm yearly (or every six months if an oil boiler) could reduce heating costs annually. Resulting is less likely breakdowns and ensuring efficiency, too.
- It’s a good idea to insulate boilers, hot water tanks, pipes and valves to reduce heat wastage.
Reducing your energy consumption
- Install a smart meter if you don’t already have one, saving your business time and money through accurate billing and automated readings. This also helps the UK smart grid to actively monitor usage and ensure energy demands are met, preventing blackouts.
- Our Web Analyser Service is available to help understand usage, providing a detailed breakdown of your electricity consumption in half-hourly intervals. Here you can easily create reports to analyse your usage and determine where you can make changes to reduce costs.
Carrying out an energy audit
- A simple energy audit can make a huge difference on your business’ bills, and help to reduce the inefficient energy habits you might have picked up over the years.
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There are various energy auditors who can identify problem areas and give you advice towards fixing them. You can also carry out a DIY audit; even a basic investigation can give you some insight into where you’re wasting energy and make it worth doing for quick, simple way to save money.
First lockdown, then the energy crisis, and now reports of a recession. These are clearly challenging times for the small business community. We’re here to support our customers in any way we can and this month the focus is on hospitality. We provide dedicated energy services to thousands of pubs, restaurants and hotels. So, it’s only right we serve up some advice to help business owners reduce their energy costs, whilst doing the right thing for the environment. In this blog, we explore some energy efficiency tips to build a more sustainable business, that will cost both you and the planet less in the long run.
Further Reading:
The Carbon Trust who are global experts on sustainability and our partners for accrediting our renewable energy products, have compiled an extensive guide to energy efficiency for hospitality businesses. If you’d like to learn more please download this via their website:
