Pubs, cafés, restaurants, and hotels could save £3 Million in emissions trial

Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels across the UK are set to benefit from reduced energy bills thanks to free expert guidance aimed at helping them lower their carbon emissions.

More than 600 small and medium-sized hospitality businesses will take part in a new trial offering tailored energy and carbon reduction assessments. The initiative is designed to help these businesses implement practical, cost-effective changes. Simple measures, such as sealing insulation gaps, switching to energy-efficient lighting, or adjusting heating settings, can result in substantial savings over the course of a year.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, participating businesses are expected to save over £3 million in total. To support the trial, the government has committed £350,000 in funding. The programme will run from May until next March and will be delivered by Zero Carbon Services, a leading consultancy focused on helping the hospitality industry move toward carbon neutrality.

This move also lends support to the Mirror’s ongoing campaign to protect British pubs. The newspaper has called for a dedicated government fund to support struggling establishments and for greater recognition of the vital role pubs play in community life.

The campaign further advocates for increased backing of community groups seeking to purchase their local pubs to prevent permanent closures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly endorsed the campaign earlier this year in February.

Minister for Industry Sarah Jones 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.”

Zero Carbon Services chief executive Mark Chapman said: “Climate change is already impacting hospitality with extreme weather events reducing sales and increasing food supply costs.