News / Supplier Article / Sustainability

Sustainability need not be another challenge for the hospitality industry

Latest industry figures have shown a year-on-year drop in hospitality sales in the 12 months to March 2021 of £80.8bn, and with 96%[1] of hospitality businesses anticipating further staff shortages, the challenges look set to continue for the industry.

Not only did the pandemic have a cataclysmic impact on the hospitality industry, but on top of this, just like many other business sectors, hospitality is working toward the Government’s net zero plans and to foster a sustainable future.

With reports showing that consumers across all generations are willing to pay more for sustainable products[2], hospitality businesses, now more than ever, need to ensure they are clearly demonstrating their sustainability credentials in order to attract potential new customers.

Yet, being more environmentally friendly needn’t be a difficult task for businesses in the hospitality industry to manage – a few simple changes can go a long way.

Making simple steps of change

From recycling more or using more locally grown food when catering, there are many small but simple changes hospitality business owners can make. However, there is one change that may well be overlooked, especially for off-grid businesses.

For hospitality businesses heating and hot water contributes significantly to their overall energy consumption. With annual energy costs for the hospitality sector being in excess of £1.3billion[3], it’s clear that taking steps to convert to low carbon energy sources will have a positive impact.

Heating, for example can account for more than 40% of energy use[4] for hospitality businesses, so taking the time to consider your usage is an easy way to identify areas where reductions can be made.

Oil-fuelled boilers, for example, are still commonly found in off-grid pubs, hotels and bars across the UK. Yet by switching from oil to bulk LPG, hospitality businesses can immediately cut CO₂ emissions by up to 17.8%[5] when compared to oil, making it ideal for rural hospitality businesses where electricity is simply not viable because of limited supply to the location.

The Futuria is here

From providing an instant and controllable flame needed to create mouth-watering meals, to offering the versatility for heating and hot water requirement as the cooler weather approaches, Calor Futuria Liquid Gas is the fuel source hospitality businesses can trust.

Futuria Liquid Gas (previously BioLPG) is a sustainable fuel made from a blend of waste, residues and sustainably sourced materials. While there is a price premium when compared to standard LPG, bulk supply of Futuria Liquid Gas at a 100% blend can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 86% (kgCO2e/kWh), when compared to using heating oil, and up to 80%[6] compared to conventional LPG.

Looking ahead, as part of its commitment to offer our customers 100% sustainable energy solutions by 2040, Calor continues to take steps to encourage our hospitality customers to make the switch to bulk Futuria Liquid Gas – helping to support the hospitality industry across the UK deliver on their sustainability goals for today and tomorrow.

To join the Futuria of off-grid energy visit www.calor.co.uk.