A hospitality supplies business has invested in a solar energy installation at its premises near Bristol, as it looks to push on with its post-pandemic recovery.
Yate Supplies, which provides a range of more than 10,000 items including cookware and cleaning products, has fitted 170 panels at its site on Stover Trading Estate in Yate, South Gloucestershire.
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The 40-year-old company said the system is expected to produce just under 60,000 kWh per year - equivalent to half of the energy used at its warehouses.
The firm said it had seen a 90% drop in turnover during Covid, when the hospitality industry was impacted by national lockdowns, but it had since recovered, with turnover sitting at more than £25m.
Commercial director Colin Massie said: “We’ve emerged stronger from the pandemic and are embarking on an ESG plan to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. “We think reducing our carbon footprint is the right, ethical thing to do.
“In addition, many of our customers – among them major high street brands in the hospitality industry – are looking for suppliers who can help them with their own sustainability responsibilities. So this installation is a clear statement of intent from us as we look to reduce our own emissions, as well as offering us a commercial and competitive benefit.”
The solar array was installed by Source Electrical, based in Worle in North Somerset, near Weston-super-Mare.
Ian Rogers, managing director of Source Electrical, said: “In the case of Yate Supplies, they have a south facing roof with no shading around, so it was perfect for the installation. And they work 24 hours a day so were keen to minimise their energy use as much as possible. They’ve been a pleasure to work with and of course we were pleased that they chose us to engage with.”
