Part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the initiative will offer more than 600 small and medium sized hospitality businesses free energy and carbon reduction assessments, delivered by Zero Carbon Services, to ‘cut energy costs, support productivity and boost growth’.
The scheme will support operators to make cost effective changes such as fixing insulation gaps, upgrading to low energy lighting or tweaking heating settings.
According to the Government, the trial is expected to save the sector £3m on bills and reduce 2,700 tonnes of carbon emissions.
“Pubs, restaurants and cafes are a cornerstone for communities across the country, with the hospitality sector employing millions of people and contributing billions to the economy,” says Sarah Jones, Minister for Industry.
“By providing business owners with expert advice to cut bills and reduce emissions, this will help them keep more money in their pockets to grow their business, employ local people and continue to serve your pint of lager or fish and chips.”
The trial has the support of trade body UKHospitality, which has long been calling for more support to help the sector combat spiralling energy costs.
“Hospitality businesses have already made great strides to reduce their emissions but are keen to go further and faster in order to save costs and become more sustainable,” says Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality.
“We’re pleased to support this new trial that can help businesses further cut their emissions, and we’re looking forward to working with the Government and Zero Carbon Services on its rollout.”