More than 600 hotels, pubs, cafes, and restaurants across the UK are expected to save £3m in energy bills under a new emissions cutting trial as part of the government’s Plan for Change initiative.

The initiative is being delivered by Zero Carbon Services, a sustainability consultancy for the hospitality sector, who will offer small and medium sized hospitality businesses free energy and carbon reduction assessments to cut energy costs, support productivity and allow them to invest in jobs and continue to be the hubs of communities. 

Businesses will also receive tailored advice to make low-cost changes, such as sealing insulation gaps, switching to low-energy lighting and adjusting heating settings.

The hospitality sector is largely made up of SMEs and supports 3.5 million jobs, while contributing £93bn to the UK economy. 

A recent report from the Federation of Small Businesses found that 64% of small businesses believe sustainability should be a high priority for the government, but only 26% of small businesses believe they have the appropriate knowledge to transition their business to net zero. 

The Zero Carbon Services Hospitality trial will help hospitality businesses by putting business owners in direct contact with the expertise of energy and sustainability advisers. 

The launch of the trial comes ahead of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which will turbocharge growth in the UK’s key sectors including clean energy. 

Meanwhile, a renewed Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy will set the strategic direction for the government’s approach to working with industry towards a “competitive and low carbon industrial base in the UK, ensuring growth opportunities are captured in tandem with emissions reductions”.   

Sarah Jones, minister for industry, said: “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.

“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 also been welcomed by industry groups.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “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.”

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, added: “This initiative is welcome and will give valuable insights into the ways the sector can become more energy efficient which could help to cut down on energy bills.  

“This is no small sum and we’re pleased that the government has acted on our calls to support the sector through boosting funding to undertake this kind of work.”

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