Greene King launches estate-wide energy-saving initiative
The initial phase was focused on higher-energy-using sites, which included Greene King’s whole Farmhouse Inns estate of 70 pubs
Greene King has launched an initiative to install energy-saving technology in 600 managed pubs by the end of 2023, with further sites planned to benefit from the scheme in 2024.
The voltage optimisation technology that will be installed at each pub will help to regulate the incoming power supply by reducing the voltage provided to the optimum level, reducing the pub’s energy use and also cutting the associated costs and carbon.
The news comes after initial trials earlier this year saw a “healthy” reduction in electricity usage at each pub, meaning that the investment is expected to pay for itself “within a relatively-short time frame”.
The initial phase was focused on higher-energy-using sites, which included Greene King’s whole Farmhouse Inns estate of 70 pubs. These are typically larger sites with carveries that are open throughout the day with large ovens for slow-cooking.
Assad Malic, chief communications and sustainability officer at Greene King, said: “To reduce our impact on the environment, it’s crucial that we look at ways of reducing the energy we are using and be vigilant for ways we can cut wastage at scale. This multi-million-pound investment will benefit hundreds of our pubs and follows successful trials earlier this year.
“Pubs face challenges when it comes to reducing energy wastage, in particular in historic and listed buildings, which are often poorly insulated. So while we are looking at ways to reduce the energy we are using, we also need to ensure we are looking to minimise energy that is going to waste.”
He added: “We will continue to play our part to work collaboratively across the industry so we all become more sustainable, but we also need the government to recognise the unique challenges historic pubs face and help us create a decarbonisation plan in line with planning laws.”
The introduction of voltage optimisation in hundreds of pubs supports the pub group’s strategic roadmap aligned to the company’s science-based target to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
