A newly established craft-beer haven and community events venue in Devizes had a bespoke energy efficiency report and new heating fully funded by Wiltshire Council’s Towns Programme.
Wiltshire residents after great brews and a friendly atmosphere were excited to see The Pour House open in Devizes in 2024. But while the welcome was always warm, visitors were feeling the chill in the Grade II listed venue; the old and inefficient heating system couldn’t keep the ground floor and cellar seating areas comfortably warm.
When the owners heard they might qualify for advice and funding they turned to energy experts Severn Wye.
“We were drawn by the practical, hands-on support offered,” managing director Sarah said. “Severn Wye weren’t just about ticking boxes they genuinely wanted to help us make long-lasting improvements.”
Toasting a warmer, greener local
Through the Wiltshire Towns Programme, The Pour House received a fully funded energy efficiency survey from Severn Wye. Severn Wye’s comprehensive, bespoke report clearly laid out where improvements could be made, and which would have the biggest impact on that punishing energy consumption.
As the Pour House had only been in the building for a few months, the assessor had to estimate their energy use and costs; they worked out the current heating system was likely using a substantial 11,000 kWh a year – and still not keeping them warm.
The owners had already installed energy-efficient LED lighting and were going to tackle draughts with new doors, but replacing the heating felt like a bigger hurdle.
“We wanted to cut our carbon footprint as well as keep costs down. Severn Wye’s report helped us understand what further measures would make the biggest difference and gave us the confidence to go ahead with a new heating system.”
Chilling pints, not punters
With a £4,920 grant from the Wiltshire Towns Programme, The Pour House team went ahead and replaced their cranky old heating with a more efficient system which should use around 4,828kWh less energy every year; that’s a welcome estimated £1,389 off their annual bill – and 1.33 tonnes of CO2 saved too.
And the changes have created a warmer, welcoming space that keeps customers coming back for more.
Could your Wiltshire business benefit too?
If you run a retail, leisure or hospitality business in a Wiltshire town centre, you could also be eligible for free energy support and funding through the programme – find out more here: severnwye.org.uk/wiltstowns
