Energy saving advice for restaurants and cafés

• The Food Standards Agency advises that fridges and chilled display equipment legally need to run at 8°C or below. For extra peace of mind and better energy efficiency, aim for 5°C or lower.
• Train up staff to maintain the recommended temperature and regularly check that fridge doors are properly closed and sealed.
• Place refrigerators in cool areas away from sunny windows to reduce strain on the system.
• Regularly clean door seals with warm water and mild detergent. Poor sealing can lead to food spoilage and higher energy bills.
• Look for AA++ rated units when purchasing new refrigeration, as they have the lowest energy costs.
• Defrost freezers monthly to help the appliance run efficiently and increase valuable storage space.
• Avoid overfilling your fridges, air needs space to circulate and to keep food evenly chilled. 

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning 

• Set timers to heat rooms when in use to avoid unnecessary energy wastage.
• Keep heating to a minimum in the kitchen to make sure that fridges and freezers aren't working overtime to keep the contents cool.
• Perform regular service checks on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to ensure maximum performance and efficiency.
• Make all staff aware of optimum temperatures for equipment and heating to prevent energy waste.
• Use blinds to block out heat from direct sunlight and help keep indoor temperatures down in summer.

Energy-efficient appliances

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances such as freezers to save money in the long run. Old appliances tend to consume more energy and have more repair issues.
• Replace standard hand dryers with energy-efficient ones that rely on forced air, using up to 80% less energy.

Ideas for saving energy on restaurant lighting

• Implement a light-out policy and train staff to turn off lights in unused rooms or areas.
• Use LED light bulbs instead of traditional lighting, as they use less energy and emit less heat, making them more efficient.
• Got an outdoor space? Think about solar lighting, from fairy lights to pathway lighting.
• Install motion detectors and time switches that automatically turn off lights when rooms are unoccupied.
• Maximise natural lighting during the day by using sunlight from windows, which can significantly reduce energy use.

Consider installing solar panels and battery storage to help lower your energy bills and make better use of the power your business generates.

Cutting energy costs doesn’t have to mean cutting corners – but it does mean reducing your carbon emissions! We hope these tips inspire you to make changes that set your restaurant, café, coffee shop, or pop-up on the right path toward a low-carbon and sustainable future.

Another way you could save your restaurant or café money is making sure you're on the right tariff. Firstly understand the right tariff type for your business, read our blog on how to compare tariffs, then you can get a no-obligation quote in just 60 seconds. Remember with EDF you get our cheapest prices direct!