Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy Consultant: 
A Week in Blackpool

This past week has brought me to the lively seaside town of Blackpool, where I worked with several businesses to assess their energy use and identify opportunities for savings and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

The week started with a site audit at a popular fish and chip shop in Layton.

My main method of travel into Blackpool from Manchester is by train and unfortunately as I arrived the route to Preston was cancelled because of a tree falling onto the train line…. With it not being clear on how long this would take, my colleague and I hopped on a tram to Altrincham to where she lives and into her car as we will not be deterred today! Once arriving I was able to meet the owner of the fish and chip shop – Liam who is concerned about rising energy bills and wanted to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality or service.

Prior to the audit we had an initial call to discuss their needs, and once I was on the premises I audited lighting, general equipment, and refrigeration appliances along with assessing the heating on the premises with a further discussion on how best to guide and support the shop in achieving energy efficiency.

It was a shame the audit was at 10am otherwise I would have absolutely tucked into a fish and chips….

 

On Tuesday morning, I arrived at Links Signs & Graphics, a local family run sign maker for Blackpool providing signs for the Northwest.

I brought my colleague along to assess current lighting, potential HVAC systems and machinery used on site. The owner Shaun walked me through a typical day - a flurry of activity from morning till early evening operating 9-5, Monday to Friday. Together, we identified ways they could enhance efficiency, like switching to electric heating systems, adding insulation, and assessing the viability of solar panels.

I compiled my findings into a detailed audit report, along with recommendations and cost estimates and payback period so that Shaun was armed with all the facts and figures needed to make informed decisions. It was great to hear that the business had come through Blackpool Council's Get Started service.

It was great to see them a flourishing business of 17 years - a real success story!

Zarina advised that energy bills had suddenly skyrocketed all the while struggling to heat the downstairs of the holiday home, concerned that the heat was escaping through the originally installed French doors.

We discussed insulation mostly whilst looking at alternative heating systems including air source heat pumps. Already familiar with assessing energy efficient ways of heating, Zarina advised that the business had looked air con systems as an alternative to using the gas boiler to improve the warmth and comfort of their guests.

The house in the off-season is used by the family and I was fortunate enough to also meet their lovely cat, Benny. I found out that domesticated cats can sleep up to 18 hours a day - what a life!

The first was a business owner, Nico who owns two restaurants right next door to each other on Cedar Square: Stefani’s Pizzeria and Hip-Hop Chicken. Nico advised that he was looking to enhance the heating system at Hip Hop Chicken and was looking for cost effective ways to reduce energy.

We discussed insulation of the premises to allow for the restaurant to be comfortable for diners. The business had been quoted for an air-con system and one of the actions from our 1-2-1 was to check the figures to ensure a best deal was made for the restaurant! We also looked at alternative heating systems like infrared panels and looked at roof insulation as a first step for energy reduction.

Stefani’s Pizzeria was scheduled for another 1-2-1 session as Hip-Hop Chicken has been the priority restaurant for Nico to retrofit. What was great to hear was that Stefani’s had been named as one of the best pizzerias within the Northwest including an award for best family run restaurant last year! I was lucky to actually try some produce during a site audit in January - the cannoli’s are a must!

I am looking forward to working further with Nico to help actualise energy savings for both his restaurants. While the energy audits and reporting are core processes of my work, I see the follow-up implementation 1-2-1’s as most important. Checking back in with clients not only builds relationships but allows me to support them in accomplishing change.

I'm not just there for the audit - I'm there to guide them through the entire sustainability journey. 

These are short courses for businesses to better understand carbon, the often-misinterpreted climate change science, and how they can reduce their carbon footprint within their businesses. The 2-hour sessions are made to allow open floor discussion and to hopefully demystify decarbonisation, helping assist businesses to achieve net zero ahead of the United Nation 2050 goal. Look out for the latest net zero and low carbon courses and workshops here.

No matter how hectic my schedule, I always carve out time for a brisk lunchtime walk to clear my head. Admittedly I also can't start my day without a strong cup of oat milk coffee - caffeine is a must in this line of business! I also find listening to upbeat music keeps my energy high and helps me stay positive on long train journeys and busy workdays.

While every week brings something new and sometimes unexpected mishaps like train cancellations (!), the rewarding feeling of helping organisations reduce their environmental impact makes all the hustle and bustle worthwhile. And getting to audit businesses from a variety of industries, large and small across Blackpool allows me to pursue my passion while constantly learning.

Blackpool has brought its own unique sites, and I am looking forward to working with many more businesses!

Megan Tucker