Times are tough and energy prices are high, so here are some key tips for hospitality businesses this winter
The UK is currently in the midst of a cost of living crisis, impacting households and businesses up and down the country. Prices are soaring, including the price of gas and electricity. For businesses that are naturally high on energy consumption, such as hospitality venues, this means the next few months will be tough.
With that in mind, here are some simple yet essential updates you can make to your hospitality business in order to ensure you’re getting the most out of your energy spending. From the latest tech to better energy habits, we’re sharing a few of our top tips.
Heating servicing and control are key
In hospitality venues, central heating typically constitutes a sizeable chunk of the annual energy budget, especially during the colder months. In fact, Yu Energy reports that heating and hot water consume more than 40% of the energy used in the average non-domestic building.
However, there are steps that can be taken to ensure your heating is as efficient as possible. Start by making sure that all boilers and pipes are serviced and up to date. This will include checking for any leaks that might be adding to your bills unnecessarily.
Matching control to occupancy is also important. If you change a heating setting to deal with a temporary problem, make sure you don’t forget about it. Thermostat location can make all the difference, as heating should only be used if the space falls below the minimum recommended temperature.
Upgrade to the latest tech
Utilities technology has evolved hugely in recent years, so be sure to take advantage of it. Smart meters can provide you with a better insight into your energy usage, allowing you to see which spaces or devices might be eating into your budget the most, while a compensator will automatically regulate the heating of your establishment based on outdoor conditions.
Zoning is ideal for hotels and larger restaurants or bars where you don’t necessarily want the same heating controls to be utilised throughout the whole space.
Make the most of ventilation
Even in cold weather, fresh air is important. Air conditioning is rarely needed in UK spaces. But there are some exceptions, such as indoor pools where humidity and temperature need to be controlled. Servicing and cleaning your ventilation system regularly can ensure it is working at maximum efficiency.
And remember, natural ventilation is free. Be sure to open windows and doors periodically, even in winter, when a space is not in use.
Switch to more efficient lighting
Like heating, lighting can take up a significant amount of your energy budget. However, it is possible to reduce your lighting costs without sacrificing aesthetics or effectiveness.
The easiest way to do this is by ensuring that lights are switched off when spaces aren’t in use. You can remind staff members about the importance of this, or invest in motion sensors to make sure that rooms aren’t left lit when they are unoccupied.
Swapping traditional lightbulbs for LED alternatives is another simple yet effective way to ensure your lighting is as efficient as possible.
Get support from Consultiv Utilities
As energy bills continue to rise, it’s important to seek out support to help manage your spending. From lowering your utility bills and finding greener energy options to helping you with waste and water management, our team are on hand to get your utilities in the best shape.
With years of experience under our belt, we can help you navigate the complex road to better energy management, ensuring you are compliant with all existing legislations and doing everything possible to support the environment and make the most of your budgets.