Construction consultancy to assist hospitality giant with solar energy initiative

Construction consultancy EDGE is assisting Mitchells & Butlers, a huge operator of restaurants, pubs, and bars, in saving the equivalent energy of 500 homes through a solar energy initiative across the country.

EDGE is providing quantity surveying and project management services for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels at over 200 locations, including household brands like Vintage Inns, Harvester, and Toby Carvery.

The two core priorities for Mitchells & Butlers have been to carry out the necessary works with minimal impact on communities and aesthetics.

It has led to the development of a stakeholder engagement plan for each site, which has been crucial in shaping the program of works.

Plans have ensured minimal disruption to staff and customers during service hours.

The program is expected to save 1.8m kWh of electricity per site in the current financial year, reducing CO2 emissions by over 1,250 tonnes, which is equivalent to powering more than 500 average homes for a full year.

Sam Ward, senior project manager at EDGE, said: “This extensive PV scheme signifies an enormous commitment from Mitchells & Butlers to investing in renewable energy sources for its franchisees and we’ve made great progress so far. Having commenced delivering in September 2023, more than 100 sites in the south have now completed across Gloucester, Milton Keynes, Dorset, Hampshire, Southampton, and Bournemouth – working with renewable energy specialist contractors Carbon3 and Geo Green Power.

“Each restaurant or pub has offered a unique set of opportunities and challenges, particularly when considering many properties on Mitchells & Butlers’ portfolio being listed buildings. Our expertise in delivering renewable energy projects like this one has enabled the creation of intricate solutions adapted to the needs of individual sites, optimising the local energy savings that contribute to the wider sustainability goals of the group.

“From briefing through to completion, a bespoke approach is taken for every site, informed by the stakeholder plans to make sure that works are considerate to the local area, in-keeping with brand aesthetics, and crucially keep restaurants and bars open in a safe manner for staff and customers.”