Firstly, they have reduced their energy consumption by installing LED lighting across the premises, accompanied by smart plugs to manage light usage. In the kitchen, the glass washer isn’t started until it is full, as to not waste extra water and energy in multiple uses. A lot of upgrades and investments into appliances have been made, including but not limited to smart cellar equipment to regulate the temperature, upgraded commercial kitchen equipment, energy efficient water systems and upgraded plumbing systems. All immersion heaters have also been removed to help reduce energy consumption.
Within the kitchen, cooking oil is recycled, along with deposits from their grease traps. Other materials have an implemented recycling scheme to make sure everything is split up correctly. There has also been a cut in single-use plastics across the business. The menu has been adapted to further reduce food waste, for example, customers can now request the removal of side salads from their orders.
Staff members are trained in all areas of sustainability and buy into the working practices of the business. The Plough also promotes green transportation to work – such as walking or cycling – to staff members, offering them incentives if they do so. With the introduction of these new sustainable actions, the team at The Plough have a different mind-set towards what it means to be sustainable, and it has led to a better management of energy costs within the business. These changes have also been noted by local customers, who have commented positively on the measures The Plough have taken. They are in the process of installing new EV charging points, and inside the pub there is a re-fill station to promote the use of reusable bottles. The Plough also get involved in sustainability projects outside of the business, keeping themselves a part of the local community.
“Our pub business sits at the very heart of our local community and as such is very influential in leading / promoting change. We are hoping that the local community will follow suit for the mutual benefit of all. Changes we make today will have a lasting impact on our future and our children’s future,” says Ashley Young, licensee of The Plough Itchen Abbas.
Next steps for the business include the installation of solar panels, double glazing options, detailed food waste recycling schemes and growing their own produce. We are delighted to award The Plough Itchen Abbas with our Sustainability Champions Award.
You can view The Plough Itchen Abbas website here