The Energy Efficient Commercial Kitchen.

Benefits, Incentives & Easy Recommendations

Cater-Kwik are actively moving with the demand for business to trade in a more eco friendly manner.

To quote The Catering for a Sustainable Future Group (CSFG), set up by CEDA:

"It can not be denied that we are in the midst of a new environmental revolution which requires us to reduce our negative impact on the natural environment. After much debate there is now unanimous scientific agreement that humans are causing Global Climate Change by our actions and within the commercial market sector; the food service industry with it's inefficient kitchens is one of the leaders when it comes to generating that change."

"One of the most important discoveries the CSFG have made is that being environmentally friendly does not only improve the environmental and social performance of the business it also increases the financial bottom line"

In addition to the obvious benefits of using more efficient refrigeration & cooking equipment - lower running costs, reduced environmental impact and improved working conditions there are a number of really special financial incentives available from the Carbon Trust to encourage you to upgrade your existing equipment

INTEREST FREE LOANS & THE CARBON TRUST.

The Carbon Trust is a private company, set up by the government in response to the threat of climate change aiming to accelerate the UK's move to a low carbon economy. The Carbon Trust helps business and the public sector cut carbon emissions, and supports the development of low carbon technologies.

Small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in England and Scotland, or all businesses in Wales that have been trading for at least 12 months, could borrow from £5000.00 to £100,000. It is unsecured, interest free and repayable over a period of up to 4 years. There are no arrangement fees and applying is straightforward.

To find out if you are eligible you can complete an online eligibility checklist found here or call one of our sales team who will be glad to help.

ENHANCED CAPITAL ALLOWANCES.

Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) are a straightforward way for a business to improve its cash flow through accelerated tax relief. The ECA scheme for energy-saving technologies encourages businesses to invest in energy-saving plant or machinery specified on the Energy Technology List (ETL) which is managed by the Carbon Trust on behalf of Government.

The ECA scheme provides businesses with 100% first year tax relief on their qualifying capital expenditure. The ETL specifies the energy saving technologies that are included in the ECA scheme here.

The scheme allows businesses to write off the whole cost of the equipment against taxable profits in the year of purchase. This can provide a cash flow boost and an incentive to invest in energy-saving equipment which normally carries a price premium when compared to less efficient alternatives.

How it works

If your business pays corporation tax at 30%, every £1,000 spent on qualifying equipment would reduce its tax bill in the year of purchase by £300. In contrast, for every £1,000 spent the generally available capital allowance for spending on plant and machinery* would reduce your businesses tax bill in the year of purchase by £75. In other words, an ECA can provide a cash flow boost of £225 for every £1,000 it spends in the year of purchase

Look out for the logo below on our website. Any product that qualifies for the Energy Technology list will feature this logo on the product image.

Alternatively please see our Energy Efficient Eco-friendly Products here.

WORKING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

On our part, Cater-kwik has put a number of procedures in place; from recycling schemes, paper use awareness initiatives, to optimising our transport and energy conservation initiatives. We adhere to the WEEE Directive ensuring we offer safe and responsible disposal of old fridges, microwaves, and the cooking equipment covered by the directive. We will collect and responsibly dispose of equipment at the end of a products life irrespective of when and where purchased. We will charge for this service at cost only.

We are aware of the impact our business activity has on the local environment and are creating a nature reserve on our adjacent land to counteract this. The reserve will be built around a large pond surrounded by newly planted trees and shrubs. The reserve will be open for schools and enthusiasts to come and enjoy the wildlife.

We continually review our procedures and processes to ensure that we continue to reduce our environmental impact. There is much to do and there is much you can do too.....

IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN YOUR KITCHEN
EASILY & COST FREE.

In most commercial kitchens it is possible to make immediate savings by using your existing equipment as efficiently as possible.

• Use pans that have the proper base size for hobs.
• Keep lids on pans.
• Ensure that simmer controls are used where possible.
• Locate your refrigerators in a cooler part of the kitchen away from the hot cooking equipment - this means your fridge wont have to work as hard.
• Ensure fridges have plenty of ventilation - staff can often inadvertently block ventilation panels.
• Overloading a fridge or freezer means the equipment has to work much harder - this uses excessive energy and could shorten the life of the equipment.
• Don't prop open refrigeration equipment doors & fit coldroom curtains where required.
• Ensure extractor hood grease filters are cleaned regularly.
• Turning gas burners off when not in use saves gas, lowers the temperature of the kitchen meaning refrigeration equipment doesn't have to work as hard.
• Check gaskets and check the seal - a bad seal can mean an 11% loss in efficiency.
• Cleaning the condenser coil improves air flow to refrigeration equipment.
• Service your equipment regularly.