Green Network for Businesses

A couple’s craft beer business was at risk of going flat as energy prices rocketed sending operating costs through the roof.

But with the support of Business Energy Scotland, an interest-free loan and a good, healthy dose of Scottish sunshine, Stewart Brewing in Loanhead can raise a glass to a sustainable future.

The company has a five-day-a-week brewing operation, supplying its craft beers across Edinburgh and central Scotland, as well as through an online shop. It has installed an array of solar PV panels across its roof and on the front of its south-facing building.

Steve Stewart, who started the business in 2004 with his wife Jo, said, “Without the help we received with the survey and the loan, our prospects wouldn’t have been good. Never in 19 years have things been like this.”

Stewart Brewery, which has a 45-strong workforce, is invested in supporting the environment and minimising its carbon footprint, so solar power was always a consideration. When energy costs shot up from around £66,000 a year to an incredible £300,000, Steve knew he needed to make changes so went to Business Energy Scotland for advice. “There are myriad challenges for brewing right now with the cost of energy and raw material prices, and we would have been struggling to keep our heads above water.”

A survey of the premises, which also include a bar and pizza kitchen, was carried out by one of Business Energy Scotland’s specialist consultants, who recommended fitting solar PV panels, as well as an air source heat pump to provide underfloor heating and hot water.

The £100,000 interest-free Scottish Government SME loan made installing the solar PV possible and, taking into account the income generated from the system, it should have a payback period of just over five years.

Financially, the business is not ready to proceed with the ASHP, but Steve is including it in future plans. “Our energy-saving journey hasn’t finished yet. We are also looking into battery storage as well as the other suggestions in the survey. Although a five-year payback was suggested, I think it will be shorter than that considering how much electricity was costing us.”

Steve’s customers are seeing his futureproofing efforts first hand “Having the solar panels on the front of the building is a good talking point with customers and helps them to see our commitment to the environment.”

He says the help came at just the right time, “I am absolutely supportive of the loan and the help we received from Business Energy Scotland and would recommend it to any other business in a flash. We all need as much help as we can get at the moment.”