Punch Taverns is seeing green as an innovative pilot scheme for saving energy in pubs gathers momentum.

Fifty-one managed outlets in its Spirit Group estate are taking part in the trial, which is designed to illustrate both the business and environmental benefits of reducing energy consumption.

The project is being spearheaded by Punch’s newly appointed carbon manager, Rachel King, and has the support of the Carbon Trust.

It starts with the installation of ‘smart metering’ in each pub – systems that offer a real time view of water, electricity and gas consumption.  Results will then be analysed to identify exactly where savings can be made before the scheme is extended to other Spirit pubs later this year. 

Rachel said: “Companies need to address the issue of rising energy costs and Punch Taverns is no exception.  In the longer term we also have to consider carbon and climate change rather than just reducing energy consumption and again Punch is planning an effective strategy.

“This trial is a major step forward which will empower individual pub managers to take green issues seriously.  Their experiences can then be shared with colleagues on both sides of the Punch business, managed and leased.”

Punch has set aside substantial funds to invest in energy saving solutions in its trial pubs, including improved insulation, better boilers, heating controls and low energy lighting.

Managers are also attending green workshops to learn more about energy efficient business practices and prepare energy reduction action plans for their individual pubs. 

Rachel said: “The trial will give us a clear indication of the potential business benefits energy efficiency presents.  Even seemingly small steps in a single pub can have a huge positive impact across a portfolio as large as ours.”

Hugh Jones, solutions project director for the Carbon Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working with Punch Taverns in this trial and they have clearly understood the challenges and opportunities the low carbon economy presents.

“Employee engagement and smart metering are both effective measures to save carbon.  Businesses account for around 40 per cent of UK carbon emissions and therefore have a real opportunity to help reduce the country’s carbon footprint, while also benefiting in terms of cost savings, reduced environmental impact and improved reputation.”

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For further information please contact Nick Trueman or Floyd Jebson at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780.