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Be energy efficient - and save money

Your catering business could be missing out on financial benefits if you don't make the most of the range of initiatives such as the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme and free energy surveys from the Carbon Trust.

Monitoring energy usage more closely can also bring cost savings, and, what’s more, as a rural business you can switch to Calor LPG, the greener fuel choice. LPG provides all the flexibility of mains gas in areas where mains gas is unavailable. Compared with oil it burns more cleanly, produces fewer carbon emissions and produces less smoke.

ECA Tax Benefits,

The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme enables businesses to claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments in energy saving technology and products.

The Energy Technology List (www.eca.gov.uk/etl) details all the products that are eligible for the scheme, many of which can be used by catering and leisure businesses to reduce their carbon emissions. You may well find your business can make cost savings too. Items on the list include boilers, combined heat and power and radiant and warm air heaters.

Site Surveys

The Carbon Trust offers free energy surveys to businesses spending over £50,000 on energy bills which can identify fuel savings of up to 30%. The surveys take into consideration the type of fuel being used and in many cases LPG is being billed as the fuel of choice in rural areas.

It is common for pubs, restaurants and hotels, and other establishments such as nursing homes and schools, to use oil-powered heating in off mains-gas areas, especially if they are older buildings. However switching to LPG can bring energy and cost savings and, with Calor, can also offer peace of mind.

Current oil storage regulations mean that outlets are responsible for ensuring the safe storage of their oil supply when storing more than 200 litres above ground. Leaks can be costly and failure to comply with the new regulations is a criminal offence. Operators face fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance and up to £20,000 if the Environmental Agency finds that the land has been contaminated due to an oil leak.

In contrast, LPG has an enviable environmental and safety track record - and the responsibility for bulk tank installation, safety and maintenance remains with the fuel supplier.

Complete Control

LPG allows the full package of heating, water heating and catering to run from a single source. It is particularly well suited to the catering industry as it provides a moist flame and a responsive and versatile heat, something all professional chefs rely on in their kitchen. For heating, it is used to provide fast, efficient central heating and water heating for leisure applications including swimming pools.

What’s more, with the smoking ban now in force, many outlets are considering the use of their outdoor space where LPG powered radiant heaters can be used to maintain the comfort of customers sitting outdoors, encouraging them to stay longer and therefore increase average spend.

Location, Location, Location

In the most picturesque locations Calor can install underground tanks to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the surroundings - all that is visible is the green cover which gives access to the valve assembly. Outlets can also take advantage of The Think Tank® telemetry system, which automatically alerts Calor when a delivery is due to ensure you never run out of gas.