East Oxford pub implements all of our energy-saving recommendations 

The Mad Hatter is a vibrant and popular pub in the heart of East Oxford. The building is a large mid-nineteenth century building over four floors with bar area, kitchen and event rooms.  

Pinpointing the right energy saving measures 

During recent renovations to create five new bedrooms for guests, the forward-thinking manager saw an opportunity to cut down carbon emissions and think about energy efficiency.  

Knowing that the historic building could benefit from efficiency improvements, he decided to get an energy assessment to determine what improvements could be implemented. 

They qualified for a fully funded ESOx energy assessment [available through government funding at the time] to help them reduce their energy waste, and the team provided a comprehensive list of possible actions. 

The ESOx team recommended that they:  

• Balance the radiators to ensure that the heat output is consistent and comfortable at each radiator. This is a low-cost action, where a heating engineer resets the input valves, is extremely effective at saving energy, as well as making the rooms more comfortable.  

• Insulate the pipework in the boiler room pipework to reduce the amount of heat being lost before it reaches the radiators.  

• Replace ventilation fans – a low-cost action to replace fans that waste energy with more efficient ones that only run when the lights are on, and the rooms are in use.  

• Install a new cooling system in the cellar, replacing the old one with a more efficient model.  

• Install new low-energy electric heaters in the toilets.  

• Introduce a new programme to engage employees in energy conservation. Raising awareness of the effects of energy waste and engaging employees could result in 5-10% energy savings.   

• Manage energy use for new bedrooms – using a smart app to control various zones for heating to ensure rooms are only heated as needed.  

Salim, the Mad Hatter’s manager, saw the value in all these recommendations and has implemented every one.  

In addition to implementing all  the measures listed above, they have installed 8kW of solar panels and intend to add another 4kW, generating clean energy that will be used within the building.  

We’re using all of the clean energy generated on-site. Pubs use an extraordinary amount of energy. With the cellar cooling system, a commercial kitchen with fridges, freezers and cooking.

Salim, Manager, Mad Hatter

Energy, money and carbon saved 

After implementing all the recommended energy-saving measures, the team estimates that the business will save over £38,000 in energy costs and avoid 11 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the next ten years.  

“I look forward to hearing more about what can be done. It is crucial for businesses like us to reduce our carbon emissions, as well as energy cost, and any support that can benefit the City overall would be greatly appreciated.” 

We knew we’d have to do this work eventually and we saw it as an investment. I think if you are going to invest in a development, thinking about carbon emissions, must be encompassed in that.” 

Salim, Mad Hatter

Looking to the future  

Plans for future improvements, including transitioning to an air-source heat pump for their heating needs, eliminating the need for gas heating entirely and extending their solar PV array to generate even more clean energy on site.  

Do you know of a commercial property that could benefit from an energy efficiency assessment?

We can help. Book an Energy Assessment with our expert team and find out how you manage your energy to save money on your bills and cut your carbon emissions. Businesses typically save 19% on energy costs after implementing our recommendations.