A Surrey pub has cut its energy bills by a third by changing its lighting, adding extra insulation and collecting rainwater.
The improvements mean the pub has used 30% less energy compared with 2008. The changes cost £18,000 and took around five months to complete — during which time the pub managed to stay open.
"The pub is brighter and more comfortable for our customers, our utility bills have reduced significantly, and we continued operating the pub while the energy savings work was undertaken," said Joanna Keegan, licensee at the Crown, Richmond.
"One very visible feature in the pub is an easy-to-read meter that shows everyone how much energy the pub is using at any time. This has become a focal point for pub staff and customers and helps keep the business aware of its own energy use in real time."
The hosts installed ultra low-energy lighting both inside and out, insulated the loft, introduced a new beer cooler system and began harvesting rainwater. In addition the building's flat roofs have been covered with turf, which gives thermal insulation and reduces storm water run-off.
The project will take three years to pay back, and the internal rate of return is 16%.
Alan Spangler, head of Blue Sky, the firm that carried out the improvements, said: "Energy efficiency makes economic sense. In this case the pub has reduced its operating cost, will generate a return on the money invested in itself and has reduced carbon emissions by about 15 tonnes per year."