Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is sharing a business support opportunity for hospitality SMEs that could help local venues reduce energy waste, lower costs and cut their carbon footprint.
A free energy and carbon reduction tool is now available to eligible small and medium-sized hospitality businesses in England, including pubs, bars and restaurants. The scheme is fully funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and is designed to use each business’s own energy data to identify waste, highlight simple improvements and support lasting change.
The programme offers participating businesses:
- A tailored reduction plan designed to reduce energy, waste and water
- An online portal showing current savings, future saving opportunities, energy costs and carbon footprint, with 12 months’ access
- A virtual coach to alert businesses to high energy use and help track reductions over time
Over a 12 month period, businesses also receive support from expert coaches, including quick surveys, carbon reduction alerts, virtual energy coaching, and campaigns and training materials to help new habits stick.
The initiative is aimed at helping operators recover profits while building a more resilient business. The programme states that the average pub loses £2,000 of profit a year through energy waste, and highlights case studies where participants have made meaningful savings through simple operational changes.
One example shared by the scheme involved a pub in Bromley which reduced its overnight winter energy use by 26%, saving £48 per week and creating the potential for nearly £2,500 a year in savings if that reduction is maintained.
The opportunity is open to:
- Hospitality SMEs in England
- Businesses that have a smart meter
- Businesses that are prepared to commit some time to implementing recommended fixes and behaviour change campaigns
There are currently only 525 free licences available, so eligible businesses are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
For larger PubCos, hotel groups or restaurant groups, discounted packages are also available for tenants and franchisees.
Businesses can register their interest through the scheme website.
