More than 600 small hospitality businesses to get free expert advice, with projected savings of £3 million and a cut of 2,700 tonnes of carbon
Pubs, cafés, restaurants and hotels across the UK are set to benefit from a new government-backed trial aimed at reducing energy bills and carbon emissions, as part of the broader national Plan for Change. More than 600 small and medium-sized businesses in the hospitality sector will receive expert advice and tailored support, projected to save the industry over £3 million and cut 2,700 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Under the new scheme, Zero Carbon Services, a leading UK-based sustainability advisory for hospitality, will offer complimentary assessments to participating businesses. The initiative will provide owners and operators with tailored coaching and practical solutions to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and lower carbon footprints — all without disrupting day-to-day operations.
The UK’s hospitality sector employs around 3.5 million people and contributes £93 billion to the national economy. But mounting energy costs and inflationary pressures have placed many businesses under strain.
The project is especially timely, with the hospitality industry still grappling with the dual challenges of rising operational costs and an urgent need to reduce environmental impact. The UK’s hospitality sector — comprising mostly small and medium-sized enterprises — employs around 3.5 million people and contributes £93 billion to the national economy. But mounting energy costs and inflationary pressures have placed many businesses under strain.
Expert Guidance, Real Impact
Sarah Jones, Minister for Industry, welcomed the move as a practical and meaningful step for communities and local economies. “Pubs, restaurants and cafés are cornerstones of our neighbourhoods, and by helping them cut energy bills and reduce emissions, we’re enabling them to reinvest in their staff, services, and growth,” she said. “It’s about keeping more money in local pockets, supporting jobs, and preparing for a greener future.”
Zero Carbon Services CEO Mark Chapman emphasised the importance of climate resilience in a sector increasingly affected by environmental pressures. “Extreme weather is already hitting hospitality — reducing footfall, disrupting supply chains and driving up food costs,” Chapman noted. “This programme comes at a crucial time. Many venues have hidden opportunities to reduce energy use and emissions without realising it.”
The approach is data-led and highly personalised. Using energy metrics combined with one-on-one coaching, Zero Carbon Services helps businesses identify and act on efficiency gaps — from fixing insulation flaws and switching to low-energy lighting, to reprogramming heating systems and improving kitchen processes.
Industry Endorsements and Support
Hospitality leaders have welcomed the scheme as a meaningful response to the sector’s needs. Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “Our members have made significant progress in lowering their environmental impact, but want to do more. This trial empowers them to go further, and we’re pleased to support it.”
The British Beer and Pub Association echoed the sentiment. CEO Emma McClarkin highlighted the practical benefits of the initiative: “This is a welcome step that will provide pubs with valuable insights on becoming more energy efficient — something that can make a real difference to bottom lines.”
Steve Alton, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping, praised the initiative’s alignment with the ongoing sustainability work already happening in the sector. “We’ve seen how effective support can be through our Sustainability Champions programme. Now, even more operators will benefit from expert guidance — at no cost to them,” he said.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
The scheme also helps address a significant knowledge gap. A report by the Federation of Small Businesses found that while 64% of small companies believe sustainability should be a top priority for government, only a quarter feel they have the necessary expertise to move toward net zero.
This trial directly confronts that challenge by offering personalised assistance to those who need it most. Participating businesses will gain not just knowledge, but actionable plans to improve efficiency — all while continuing to serve customers.
A Strategic Step Forward
The hospitality trial forms part of a larger government push to decarbonise British industry while bolstering productivity and economic resilience. It precedes the launch of the government’s refreshed Industrial Strategy and a renewed Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, both expected to steer the UK economy towards a cleaner, more competitive future.
While the hospitality sector is not typically viewed as heavy industry, its collective environmental impact is substantial. Programmes like this one show that decarbonisation doesn’t only mean investing in cutting-edge technology — it also involves practical steps at the grassroots level that help local businesses thrive.
