Punch Taverns unveils multimillion-pound deal with energy specialists

Punch Taverns has announced a multimillion-pound deal which will see the provision of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) across its portfolio of pubs.

The UK's largest pub operator has teamed up with a consortium of energy and compliance specialists led by Connaught Compliance together with Royal & Sun Alliance and Charterhouse Energy in a deal that will provide EPCs for more than 800 of its leased pubs.

From October this year, all pubs will need an EPC if they are to be let or sold. Pubs will be rated from A to G based on the energy efficiency of the premises, with inspectors looking closely at boilers and air conditioning. The certificates will last for 10 years.

The move is also designed to help the group achieve a 17% reduction in carbon emissions by 2010.

Stephen Allen, group head of facilities at Punch, said: "The average pub emits as much carbon dioxide as 16 houses so as an industry we have a big responsibility to the environment.

"We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and have established a dedicated carbon team to identify and reduce carbon emissions."

He added: "This deal means we will have the all important information we need to identify the energy efficiency of our buildings and practical guidance on where improvements can be made."

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By Helen Gilbert

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