Punch Taverns has unveiled a pilot scheme that will measure the energy usage of its pubs in a bid to bring down water, gas and electricity consumption.

The trial will take place in the 51 managed pubs in Punch’s Spirit group estate with the installation of what the pub operator describes as ‘smart metering’ to measure utility usage.

Punch’s newly appointed carbon manager, Rachel King, said: “Companies need to address the issue of rising energy costs and Punch Taverns is no exception.  In the longer term we also have to consider carbon and climate change rather than just reducing energy consumption.”

She added that the lessons learnt in the trial – including the installation of new boilers, insulation, hating controls and low-energy lighting – would be shared across the managed and leased side of the business.

There will also be a training programme for pub managers.

The pilot has the backing of the Carbon Trust, whose solutions project director Hugh Jones, said: “Employee engagement and smart metering are both effective measures to save carbon.  Businesses account for around 40% of UK carbon emissions and they have a real opportunity to help reduce the country’s carbon footprint.”

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