Act now to save money

With the clocks going back and the recent cold snap leaving us in no doubt that winter is now with us, the annual energy usage of many pubs is about to reach its peak.

Taking simple green measures to cut your energy output now will save you money that can have a direct impact on your bottom line. Moreover, three out of four (77 per cent) pub-goers say they would be more likely to choose one pub over another if they knew it had taken steps to improve its environmental impact, according to Publican ​research published last month.

These are the reasons why The Publican​ is introducing a new initiative this week, aimed at:

• encouraging more licensees and pub companies to make energy-saving and green measures
• helping publicans to save money and add to their bottom line as a result.

Over the next few months The Publican ​will be inviting you to take a series of energy-saving steps, make use of a set of tools we are putting in place across ThePublican.com​ and The Publican​, and share your own experiences and tips with other readers.

Keeping down the price of a pint

Energy giant npower claims pubs can easily shave 10 per cent from their annual energy bills by putting low-cost measures in place ­ but the figure rises to 20 per cent for pubs who are willing to invest.

The Nell Gwynne in Mansfield is reaping the benefits after licensees David Hemmings and Sandra Ross decided to do both last year.

David and Sandra made some big savings by doing one of the simplest things they could ­ making sure everything, from lights to fridges to coolers to their TV, is always switched off when not in use.

But they have also invested serious money in two energy-efficient air conditioning units which can heat, cool and dehumidify, and which only come on when needed.

"There's a very simple reason why we've been doing this," said David. "It's to keep the cost of a pint down." And the strategy is paying off, according to the licensee.

"Since we put the new air conditioning units in 14 months ago we¹ve saved at least £800 on our gas bill and a little on electricity," he said. "The units cost us £500 each so they've almost paid for themselves already." More recently the pub has installed a wood-burning stove to heat the pub to cut the gas bills back even further ­ and it¹s become a real talking point, with customers even bringing in their own logs to help keep it going!

Spreading the word

Go Green, Save Money will be about spreading these simple messages throughout the trade ­ a trade which, let's face it, has been slow to catch on to the green agenda.

Speaking during last month's Energy Saving Week, energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband said: "Employers have a vital role to play in ensuring workplaces are as energy-efficient as possible, as well as helping their employees in their desire to live a green lifestyle away from the office. In doing so, employers will not only help the environment but could also see a knock-on effect in increased motivation through their organisation." Just a lot of greenwash? Or a sentiment that, taken to heart, will help you put a more positive face on your business and add to your bottom line?

Get behind Go Green, Save Money and let's find out for ourselves.

Case Study

Licensee Andrew Feest believes he is on the way to cutting hundreds of pounds from his bills after putting new energy-saving measures in place this summer.

Andrew, who runs the Queen's Arms in Brighton, East Sussex, has made a series of simple changes throughout the pub, after receiving a visit from a hit squad from energy giant npower` following a Publican competition.

Experts from npower's e3 service (energy, efficiency, environment) estimate Andrew could see more than £367 cut from his annual energy bills.

Andrew picks out three key changes to the business as:

• the introduction of rubber seals around doors to keep the cold out ­ or in, in the case of the cellar ­ and central heating costs down
• a service of his central heating system, making it more energy-efficient
• the installation of light sensors in and around the toilets to ensure lights only come on when necessary.

Before, we couldn't have the lights on in the corridor without having the lights on in the toilets," says Andrew. "Now we've fitted the sensors and they're only triggered when someone goes in there. It' cost us £150 but in the long term it's going to make a big saving." Andrew says energy usage is invisible until you really start thinking about it.

"I'd urge other publicans to take the time to walk around their pubs and have a look at how they are using energy," he says.

"I did it this morning and I found a little gap at the bottom of one of my bottle fridges. It¹ll cost me peanuts to fix but the fan doesn't have to work so hard anymore and I know it'll save me money." Steve Fitzsimons, business energy manager at npower, said: "Saving energy is often one of the easiest ways of reducing costs and can be done through simple steps that together make a big difference." Six ways you can save energy today

The Publican is urging you to take at least three positive steps to save energy in your business, and add to your bottom line. Why not:

• Replace every bulb you can with an energy-saving lightbulb
• Ensure all your outside lighting is switched off during daylight
• Turn off all drinks machines and fridges at the end of a shift
• Stop washing glasses under a running hot tap
• Minimise the time for which fridge doors are left open
• Always shut the cellar door promptly when you open and close it

Share your energy-saving measures with other readers of The Publican​. Visit www.thepublican.com/gogreen, email news@thepublican.com or call 020 7955 3710.