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Venus & Co2

Green thinking and sustainability are at the heart of the new developments adding to Venus’ environmentally friendly credentials. Solar roof panels, energy efficient equipment, monitoring and menu planning ensure minimal CO2 emissions. Exterior improvements to the buildings means Venus is more in keeping with the natural beach location. Venus uses energy efficient equipment, menus and monitors CO2 emissions per square metre.

In 2002, initial savings of £3,000 were achieved through the installation of savawatt plugs, slimline fluorescent light fittings, motion sensors for lights in store rooms, turning down water heaters and the use of equipment with dual controls. Venus continues to outperform industry benchmarks for energy usage. For example the benchmark for good performance for fast food outlets is 1450 Kwh/ sq metre - in 2007 Venus Cafés ranged from 567 to 719 Kwh/ sq metre.

Improvements to the food operations and to the design of the roof and exterior of the Venus Café at Blackpool Sands allow temperature controlled ventilation in the food preparation areas by using the natural elements of hot air and sea breezes through the building to keep operations cool day and night. This has saved putting in an expensive air conditioning system - a costly and wasteful energy resource. Resulting benefits are better food handling and improved quality, a healthier and safer workplace for employees, a more welcoming and ambient experience for customers and a significant contribution to the sustainable development of tourism in the area. Despite a lack of sun in 2007, this investment has improved energy efficiency; from 524 CO2/ sq metre to 397 despite a big jump of 300% in the walk-in refrigerated area (to improve health & safety) and serving 4% more customers year on year.

 

In 2007, Venus centralised its distribution, catering and administration operations at Halwell Business Park in the South Hams. A central kitchen, office and storage space now supports Venus’s outside catering, facilitates sourcing of local food and saves transport miles for local suppliers. It has enabled bulk purchases, reduced wastage and allowed for Venus’s own packing and distribution within the South Hams. The building construction has energy & resource efficiency top of mind.

In 2008, transport efficiencies have helped reduce the company’s overall impact and carbon footprint. Venus has purchased five Mercedes vans for the transport of employees & stock. The vehicles have been chosen as the most efficient of the Mercedes van range with low carbon emissions. The vehicles are used by management to travel to work with staff and stock thus saving over 125,000 miles per annum.