Caterers need to learn more about energy efficiency

Catering professionals lack crucial knowledge when it comes to purchasing catering and refrigeration equipment, according to an exclusive online survey conducted by Caterer in association with Enodis.

The survey of more than 50 hospitality industry purchasers revealed that less than 10% of respondents felt entirely confident in their ability to compare running costs of products from different manufacturers.

Respondents rated purchase price, reliability and low running costs as the three most important concerns when purchasing kitchen equipment. Energy efficiency rated only as the fourth most important buying concern.

Significantly, 56% of respondents admitted the energy-efficiency rating of equipment was of marginal or zero importance when making a purchasing decision.

But CESA director Keith Warren believes the ranking of energy efficiency as a buying concern is changing.

"The recent publicity surrounding a significant increase in energy prices means it is a factor that equipment buyers should consider -and they should be asking manufacturers how these features can benefit their business," Warren said.

But he also pointed out regular servicing of equipment would ensure it performed at the level of energy efficiency intended by the manufacturer.

Ian Osborne, group managing director of Enodis UK, commented: "The challenge is to close the gap of knowledge and get people to understand that the long-term cost of not implementing energy efficiency in the kitchen is lower profitability."

Other key findings

• 62% said they could not confidently compare ownership costs of different products
• 77% admitted they did not fully understand forthcoming legislation requiring
  businesses to cut energy consumption