The owner of UK based hotel chain Premier Inn is planning to swap out mains gas for heat pumps and solar panels at 800 of its hotels the Telegraph reports.
In a big push for net zero, Whitbread (who own the chain) have reportedly planned to replace mains gas with heat pumps. They also plan to install more energy efficient kitchen equipment and move towards using renewable energy sources. This is a new Premier Inn heat pump plan.
Whitbread also own the Beefeater steakhouse chain and Brewers Fayre pubs. These both form part of their net zero plan.
The heat of sustainability at Whitbread, Rosana Elias, talked about the Permier Inn heat pump strategy. “We want to provide sustainable and affordable accommodation and dining options, allowing our guests to make choices that align with their values without having to compromise on the product and service they receive”, said said.
She added: “We don’t claim to have all the answers now, but our plan will evolve over time and evolve as the technologies and policies that we rely on for success develop further.”
There is a big push across the whole sector to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient. The French hotel chain Accor has also stated that it wants to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The Hilton hotel chain has also opened a completely fossil free hotel in Connecticut last year. It had 1000 solar panels covering its roof and two large battery rooms to store power.
Air source heat pumps can be up to 4 times more efficient than a gas boiler. Homeowners can save up to £1,500 annually according to the Energy Savings Trust. They can also drastically reduce their carbon emissions. Heat pumps are generally more expensive to install than gas boilers. This is especially true for older properties. But government help is at hand. In the England and Wales the government is offering up to £5,000 to replace a gas boiler through their Boiler Upgrade Scheme. There are also other initiatives available for those in Scotland and those on low incomes.