Getting your Business to Net Zero at The Bacchus Hotel

We were delighted to work with David Smith, owner of The Bacchus Hotel in Sutton on Sea, who had ambitions to be the first UK net zero hotel by exporting more energy to the grid than it imports.  

With energy costs on the rise and set to continue increasing, we collaborated to bring businesses, energy suppliers and council representatives from across the region together to show them how, by incorporating renewable, low carbon and low energy systems they could not only reduce carbon emissions, but also save money and future proof their business.

Over the last three years David has invested in a ground-source heat pump, solar panels and battery storage that are expected to reduce his gas and electricity consumption by a huge 80%, saving him thousands each year and significantly reducing his carbon footprint. David aspires to become a centre of excellence for renewables by educating and engaging with local businesses about his investments and the digitalisation of the electricity network.

Delegates heard from a variety of expert panellists which included Aaron Sadd from Western Power, who discussed the RIIO-ED2 business plan to prepare the grid networks to meet Net Zero; Vicky Dunn, Director of Grimsby Community Energy; Team Lincolnshire ambassador, Lee Marshall from Viridis Building Services whose company specialises in sustainable building; David Knight, Resource and Efficiency Specialist with Business Lincolnshire; Richard Jones, MD of Amelia Solar & EV Camel; Peter Cox, Business Development Manager at myenergi and Natasha Meadows, Area Sales Manager at Ansell Lighting.

Attendees were then invited to a networking lunch and had the opportunity to meet the event exhibitors which consisted of local suppliers of low carbon technology to discuss the best options for them. David also offered a personal tour of the hotel to see first-hand his achievements and answer any questions.

Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Cllr of Economic Development, Environment and Planning, said:

“As you look around the hotel, David Smith has successfully installed examples of renewable energy technology that are reducing his carbon emissions and cutting his energy costs. The hotel has rooftop solar panels, a ground source heat pump and a battery storage system, all of which is suitable technology for any type of business”.

Ellen Massey, Sustainability Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said:

“It was a fantastic day of information sharing, networking and finding opportunities for partnership working between those that attended. David’s hotel is the perfect case study to show the opportunities out there for businesses to work towards net zero and make a real difference in the local community.”

If you would like to learn more about the support and opportunities available to support your business on its journey to net zero, please email sustainability@lincolnshire.gov.uk

You can find out more about David's journey at The Bacchus Hotel here