KBR Case Study:
Stonegate Group

Background

Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest pub company, operating over 4,500 sites, including high-profile brands like Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout, and Be At One. As a key player in the hospitality industry, energy consumption across their portfolio is a significant operational cost. With rising energy prices and a commitment to sustainability, Stonegate sought a reliable and effective way to reduce electricity usage without impacting service quality.

Challenge:

Given the scale of Stonegate’s operations, the company needed a solution that could be deployed across multiple locations without causing disruption. The primary challenges included:

  • High energy consumption due to refrigeration, cellar cooling, and bottle fridge operations.
  • The need for a non-intrusive solution that would not interfere with customer experience.
  • Ensuring compliance with sustainability goals while achieving tangible cost savings.

Solutions:

To support their sustainability objectives, The Jockey Club partnered with Powerhub Solutions to implement Voltage Optimisation (VO) technology across multiple sites nationwide. This technology reduces mains voltage to optimal levels, thereby decreasing energy consumption and enhancing the efficiency of electrical equipment. Specifically, the initiative involved the installation of 30 VO units across 13 sites.​

Key Benefits of the Installation:

  • Energy Savings: Reduction in electricity consumption by optimising cooling systems.
  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Aligning with Stonegate’s sustainability initiatives.
  • Extended Equipment Lifespan: Reduced wear and tear on refrigeration and cooling systems.
  • Zero Disruption: Installation completed seamlessly without interrupting operations.

Results:

  • Over 1,253 units installed across multiple locations.
  • Achieved an ROI of under 14 months.
  • Significant cost savings on electricity bills across the portfolio.
  • Enhanced sustainability profile, supporting corporate environmental goals.
  • Operational efficiency improved with reduced maintenance requirements.

Conclusion:

By adopting the KBR Cellar Manager, Remote Optimiser, and Bottle Fridge Manager, Stonegate Group has successfully reduced its energy costs and environmental impact without affecting its customer experience. This case study showcases how large-scale hospitality businesses can implement smart energy solutions to drive cost efficiency and sustainability.

Powerhub Solutions continues to support Stonegate Group in identifying further opportunities to optimise energy consumption across their expanding portfolio.

“As a business, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact, and our energy-saving initiatives are a testament to that commitment.”

David McDowall

CEO of Stonegate Group

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