Pubs across Ireland are being helped to go green

A new booklet, launched today (14 May) could help publicans cut costs and improve their environmental credentials.

The booklet, Calling Time on Waste, is a collaboration between the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Monaghan County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA estimates the average pub could save €1,000 a year if it follows the measures outlined in the guide.

It hopes up to 4,000 pubs throughout the country will introduce the ideas – potentially saving half a million euros.

Example from a trial carried out in Monaghan showed one pub changed all existing light bulbs to energy efficient ones a saving of €1,400, the equivalent to over 8000 kWh of electricity.

Dr Gerry Byrne, EPA programme manager, said: “The key message of the booklet is if we don’t create waste in the first place we won’t have to pay the financial and environmental costs of dealing with it subsequently.

“As the financial climate for all sectors looks more challenging, publicans can use the tips in this booklet to ensure that they are getting the best value for money spent on inputs, water and energy.

“Small innovations in business practice can lead to real savings in cost and improvements in environmental performance.”

Luke Walsh