Pizza Hut UKBEMS Case Study
aimteq.co.uk
aimteq.co.uk
Aimteq help Pizza Hut ‘slice’ their restaurant energy consumption by 15%.The installation by Aimteq of WEMS wireless BEMS at 60 Pizza Hut Restaurants across the UK has led to a significant reduction in energy consumption.
At the first 51 stores installing this
advanced technology, the average
reduction in energy consumption has
been calculated at 15% (1,259,629
kWh), equating to a financial saving of
over £125,000. Pizza Hut Restaurants,
which plans to fit all of its UK restaurants
with the technology, says it will reinvest
the savings accrued into further energy-
based initiatives.
The process to embrace better energy
management started in 2012 when
a change of ownership prompted
new investment in the restaurants.
As a business, the company became
aware that considerable savings
could be achieved by installing BEMS
technology, and put in place a plan to
upgrade all of its restaurants.
‘As a business, the company became aware that considerable savings could be achieved by installing BEMS technology, and put in place a plan to upgrade all of its restaurants.’
aimteq.co.uk
Selection process“In the first instance we undertook
thorough research into the best
solution, including contacting peers
from the Restaurant Managers Energy
Forum,” says Alex Wells, Energy
Manager at Pizza Hut Restaurants.
“Another major restaurant chain
recommended WEMS technology,
saying it had benefitted their business.”
Determined to make a comprehensive
assessment of potential solutions, the
company undertook a tender process
and performed a pilot study at three
restaurants, using various different
companies. Aimteq won the contract for
a trio of principal reasons.
“Firstly, the value for money and long-
term savings offered by using wireless
technology from WEMS made for
a very attractive proposal,” says Ms
Wells. “Furthermore, Aimteq’s bureau/
helpdesk service offers fantastic
customer service, and importantly,
operates 24/7; longer than any of the
bureau services we researched. Our
restaurants are open until 23:00 and
they need the helpdesk to be open to
deal with any issues. Another reason for
selecting Aimteq was the robust nature
of the technology.”
“Firstly, the value for money and long-term savings offered by using wireless technology from WEMS made for a very attractive proposal.”
Alex Wells, Energy Manager
“Furthermore, the bureau/helpdesk service offers fantastic customer service, and importantly, is operates 24/7; longer than any of the bureau services we researched.”
Alex Wells, Energy Manager
aimteq.co.uk
The front end of the BEMS installed
at each Pizza Hut restaurant is
completely controlled by the Aimteq
bureau service. However, staff
can ring the helpdesk if they want
something changed, which takes place
immediately.
“The bureau service is excellent –
great communication,” confirms Ms
Wells. “You get through to a real
person straight away and changes are
made quickly, although there is an
override button that staff can use for
emergencies.”
The wireless BEMS controls a number
of energy-using assets to help reduce
bills. For instance, when the restaurant
is shut, external lighting is kept off, but
between 06:00 and 23:00, there is a
light level sensor which detects the
external lux level. If the light level falls
by a pre-agreed percentage (in this
case, 45%), the lights come on.
Internal lighting, which is split into ‘stock
and trade’, is also being controlled more
efficiently. Before WEMS technology
was installed, the lights were switched
on using a key switch when staff arrived
in the morning, and left on 100% of the
time. Now, staff still turn on the lighting
with the key switch, but the system is
programmed to keep non-essential
lighting (such as decorative and feature
lighting) off until the restaurant opens
for business at 11:00.
“You get through to a real person straight away and changes are made quickly, although there is an override button that staff can use for emergencies..”
Alex Wells, Energy Manager
Constant monitoring
Bureau service
Wireless sensors are deployed to
ensure the air conditioning keeps each
Pizza Hut restaurant at a consistent
temperature of 21/22°C, and that the
system is turned off when not required.
Over-door heaters are also monitored
by sensors based on the outside air
temperature.
Even the pizza ovens and fryers are
monitored by the BEMS. Before
adopting WEMS technology, staff
would arrive in the morning and turn
everything on, whereas now the system
keeps the catering equipment off until
staff are due to start cooking at 10:00.
The buffet and salad bar are also on a
time programme.
Despite the amount of control imparted,
the installation process proved
exceptionally straightforward, as Darren
Blower, Project Manager at Aimteq,
explains: “As the technology is wireless,
it allows for quicker installation – up to
40% faster than traditional wired BEMS –
and there is less disruption. This means
we can work inside of trading hours if
necessary without affecting customers
or staff as it is all done back of house.
There is no pulling of cables or ceilings
to cross, so wireless technology can
even be installed after a restaurant has
been refitted if necessary.”
Complete programme plannedTo date, Aimteq has installed WEMS BEMS at 60 Pizza Hut restaurants. The company has 270 restaurants in the UK and would like to complete another 35 per year for the next four years.
Pizza Hut Restaurants has been
investing heavily in its restaurant
facilities over recent years, offering
expanded starter and mains ranges, and
even a cocktail bar service. In theory, the
company should be consuming more
energy, but actually, thanks to wireless
BEMS technology, it is becoming more
efficient.
Looking for help with restaurant energy efficiency?If you’d like help with your energy
efficiency, or are looking to install a
BEMS, we can help.
Call 0161 475 1777 for a friendly chat,
or visit aimteq.co.uk
“As the technology is wireless, it allows for quicker installation – up to 40% faster than traditional wired BEMS – and there is less disruption. This means we can work inside of trading hours if necessary without affecting customers”
Darren Blower, Project Manager
aimteq.co.uk
North officeThe Mission, Wellington Street, Stockport SK1 3AH
t 0161 475 1777
Need help with your energy consumption?
Call us today0161 475 1777
South west officeUnit 8, Cirencester Office Park, Tetbury Road, Cirencester GL7 6JJ
t 01285 655 772
London officeNiddry Lodge, 51 Holland Street, London W8 7JB
t 020 3872 8222
[email protected] aimteq.co.uk @aimteqenergy
Top Related