Power rangers
No-one is more surprised about the result of the Efficiency Factor competition than the winner Simon Taylor-Williams, licensee of Ye Olde Albion in Colchester, Essex. In just six months he has slashed his energy bills by more than half and reduced the pub¹s carbon footprint by nearly as much.
Last week he collected his prize a busy quiz night hosted by cricketer and Strictly Come Dancing champion Darren Gough, which raised £300 for charity.
But even better are the savings he¹s making every day on electricity and gas.
"These are difficult times for pubs, especially at Ye Olde Albion, because we don't do any food, and saving this kind of money makes a real difference," says Simon. "We were amazed when the bills came in to see how much we'd saved.
"All we did was follow the advice British Gas Business gave us, such as replacing the lightbulbs. Although the biggest thing for us was putting in the woodburner that¹s made a tremendous difference. Our staff have played their part too, switching things off when they weren't needed it's that easy!" Simon has run Ye Olde Albion since 2003 and last year was named Colchester and North East Essex Campaign for Real Ale's Pub of the Year.
He is lucky enough to have a loyal band of regulars who keenly followed his progress in the Efficiency Factor. They¹ve certainly noticed some positive changes at their local, which has not only got shot of the old gas fire but also installed the new mood lighting.
Putting candles on the tables in the evenings is the simplest and cleverest energy-saving idea at the pub, and is one Simon came up with himself.
"The candles cost me 10p each and last for eight hours," he says. "They provide light, make the pub look nice and when people see a flame they feel warmer, too!" Mark Duffell at sponsor British Gas Business was equally surprised at how well Ye Olde Albion had done. "A 53 per cent saving is incredible," he says.
"Simon has really achieved something and will certainly feel the benefit. He really threw himself into it and put in lots of effort.
"We have to say that not every pub can achieve that kind of a figure, but it shows what can be done.
"All four finalists took on board the tips they were given. It was a pleasant surprise to see how keen everybody was, and they¹ve all achieved something. Any reduction in your energy bills is good and two of the finalists have made savings well into double figures.
"Even reducing your energy bills by 10 or 12 per cent amounts to a lot of money you didn¹t have to spend. There are always significant savings to be made and you can have them for nothing, just by making a few simple changes in behaviour.
"The point of the competition was to show that you don¹t have to spend a fortune to save energy and I think it¹s certainly achieved that. I hope many other pubs will find inspiration in Ye Olde Albion's example." Simon agrees. "It would be nice to think that other pubs can reduce their carbon footprint as well as saving money they¹ll be doing their bit to save the planet!"
