Save your energy

As energy bills are a significant cost to any business, it’s important to look for ways to be as efficient as possible, as well as benefiting the environment

Inspired Energy shares its top energy-saving tips to bolster your green credentials and save you money.

» GET THE BIG PICTURE

Understanding your consumption of energy is the best starting point. A comprehensive utility strategy, which details your consumption and contract renewal dates, will help you pinpoint your efficiency goals and prevent you from falling foul of default rates. Utilise a credible intermediary to give you access to energy experts who track electricity, gas and water prices on a daily basis and can find the right contract to suit your needs.

» ENERGY-SAVING LIGHTING

Switch to energy-saving LED lights, which use up to 90% less energy than traditional lighting. Switch off lights in empty rooms or install motion sensors so unoccupied areas aren’t lit unnecessarily.

» GET SMART METER SAVVY

Using a smart meter gives you real-time access to usage in pounds and pence. It also takes readings so your bills will be accurate.

» COLLEAGUE BUY-IN

Getting staff engaged is essential, so let them know what they can do, such as turning off appliances.

Call us

Inspired Energy can help you become more energy efficient, just call 01772 689250

5 ways you can make a difference right now

1. Make it seasonal

By shaping menus around what’s local and in season, you’ll reduce your food’s carbon footprint and you’ll see your costs reduce. Check out what’s in season at eatseasonably.co.uk

2. Power down

Make sure that all appliances are turned off when not in use. While fridges and freezers need to stay on, lights, heat lamps and POS systems don’t need to keep running 24 hours a day, every day.

3. Ditch the disposables

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to get rid of single-use plastics. Rather than plastic, can you offer reusable cups, and compostable and recyclable packaging instead? Think paper, bamboo, rice husk or plant-based products.

4. Watch portion sizes

Keep a close eye on what gets left to see if you can reduce your portion size. This will reduce waste and reduce your costs.

5. Get creative with leftovers

By carefully planning out menus, you’ll get the most out of every single ingredient. Add leftover vegetables to stir-fries, soups and stocks.

Waste not, want not

Did you know that roughly a third of food produced around the world is wasted?

WRAP is a not-for-profit organisation that works with governments, businesses and citizens to improve sustainability and it is hoping to raise awareness of the environmental consequences of wasting food with the first Food Waste Action Week from 1 to 7 March.

Marcus Gover, CEO of WRAP, says: “Wasted food makes a significant contribution to climate change and is something we need to address together.”

WRAP is asking those in hospitality to get involved with Food Waste Action Week. Can you theme your menus around leftovers? Could you pledge to donate waste to those in need?

Here’s some simple steps to reduce your waste.

» Understand your waste – be clear on what materials your local council will recycle and how they need to be separated and collected.

» Start composting – especially useful for those with on-site gardens, composting is a great way of dealing with food waste. Some councils will collect food waste separately.

» Donate food waste – if you have food left over that’s safe to eat, contact local charities who will redistribute it to those in need.

» Make energy – recycle used cooking oil and turn it into fuel and recycle used coffee grounds and turn them into eco-briquettes or logs.

» Weigh your waste – use weighing scales with a tablet dashboard to take a picture of your weighed waste. This data can be uploaded to an online dashboard where it can be analysed for trends in food waste. In trials, systems like these have reduced avoidable food waste by 23%.