Top Tips for Creating an Energy-Efficient Commercial Kitchen

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At The Airedale Group, we are committed to designing and building energy efficient commercial kitchens that are both functional and sustainable. Reducing energy consumption has become a priority for many businesses, especially in hospitality and food service. An energy-efficient kitchen can significantly reduce these operational costs. In this blog post, we will explore the top tips for creating and operating an energy-efficient commercial kitchen.

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Designing an Energy-Efficient Kitchen Layout

A well-thought-out kitchen layout can make a positive impact on energy efficiency. Here are some tips for designing an energy-efficient kitchen layout:

Work Zones: Consider the ergonomics and organisation of appliances and workstations when planning the design. This can streamline operations and minimise the energy wasted. With careful layout consideration, you can potentially reduce the time appliances need to be on and lower overall energy consumption. Good organisation planning can also reduce the impact on main services, consider how and where appliances are positioned and how M&E services can be minimised to service their needs.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce the load on HVAC systems. Efficient ventilation systems help remove excess heat and steam, reducing the need for air conditioning. Proper ventilation can also prevent the buildup of grease and odours, improving not only the overall built kitchen environment but also the air quality within which your staff are working. Look also at considering demand-based ventilation systems, these systems are “aware” of how the cookline is being used and react accordingly, reducing overall energy use.

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Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances are a cornerstone of any sustainable kitchen. These appliances use advanced technologies to perform their functions while consuming less energy. Key appliances to focus on include:

Refrigerators and Freezers: Choose models with high energy ratings and features like an alarm that notifies staff when a door is left open. These features help maintain the internal temperature, reducing the workload on the compressor and thus saving energy. Additionally, modern refrigerators are designed to be more thermally efficient, which means they often use less power to keep contents cool.
Ovens, Stoves and Cooktops: Look for appliances with energy-saving modes and rapid preheat capabilities. Induction cooking is an excellent alternative to traditional gas appliances. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to directly heat pots and pans, making them more efficient and faster than gas stoves. They also produce less residual heat, keeping the kitchen cooler and reducing the load on air conditioning systems.
Warewashing: Invest in rated dishwashers and glasswashers that use less water and energy. These models are designed to optimise water usage and include features such as soil sensors that adjust the wash cycle based on the dirtiness of the dishes. This not only saves water and energy but also ensures that dishes are cleaned effectively without excess resource use and reduces unnecessary chemical discharge into the wastewater.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep these appliances running efficiently. Clean condenser coils, check seals and gaskets, and ensure proper ventilation around the appliances to maintain their performance and longevity.

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Implement Smart Kitchen Technology

Smart kitchen technology can play an important role in energy conservation by automating and optimising various processes. Examples of smart technology include:

Sensors: Install motion sensors for lighting to ensure lights are only on when needed. This can significantly reduce electricity usage by preventing lights from being left on in unoccupied areas. Motion sensors are especially useful in storage areas, restrooms, and break rooms where lights do not need to be on continuously.
Automated Systems: Use automated systems to control HVAC settings, adjusting the temperature based on occupancy and kitchen activity. These systems can learn your kitchen’s usage patterns and make real-time adjustments to optimise energy consumption. For example, the HVAC system can reduce heating or cooling during non-peak hours or when certain areas are not in use.
Energy Monitoring Tools: Implement tools that monitor energy usage and provide insights on where to reduce consumption. These tools can track the performance of individual appliances and highlight inefficiencies. By analysing the data, you can identify trends and make informed decisions about where to focus your energy-saving efforts.

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Adopt Sustainable Cooking Practices

Sustainable cooking practices are essential for reducing energy consumption in commercial kitchens. Training staff on energy-efficient cooking techniques can make a substantial difference. Some tips include:

Batch Cooking: Cook in larger batches to reduce the frequency of using high-energy appliances. This approach minimises the number of times ovens and stoves need to heat up, saving energy. Additionally, batch cooking allows for better utilisation of heat, as the same amount of energy is used to cook larger quantities of food.
Using Lids: Cover pots and pans to minimise heat loss and reduce cooking times. Lids trap steam and heat, which can accelerate the cooking process and reduce the energy required. This simple practice can make a noticeable difference in energy consumption, especially when cooking large volumes of food.
Efficient Preheating: Only preheat ovens and grills when necessary and avoid over-preheating. Preheating too early or for too long wastes energy. Train staff to time preheating accurately and only preheat at the appropriate time. For example, preheating can be minimised by planning the cooking schedule to ensure that ovens are only switched on just before the cooking session begins.

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Regular Maintenance and Energy Audits

Regular maintenance and energy audits are crucial for identifying and addressing energy wastage. A well-maintained kitchen runs more efficiently and extends the lifespan of appliances. Key maintenance tips include:

Scheduled Maintenance: Regularly service all kitchen equipment to ensure optimal performance. Scheduled maintenance helps catch potential issues early, preventing costly repairs and downtime. For instance, regular cleaning of filters and vents can keep extraction systems running efficiently.
Energy Audits: Conduct energy audits to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes. An energy audit can reveal hidden inefficiencies and suggest practical solutions to reduce energy consumption. Professional auditors can provide a detailed report and action plan tailored to your kitchen’s needs.
Check Seals and Gaskets: Inspect and replace worn-out seals on refrigerators and ovens to prevent energy loss. Damaged seals allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter, forcing the appliance to work harder. Regularly checking and replacing seals can prevent this issue and ensure that your appliances operate at peak efficiency.

The Airedale Group offers comprehensive preventative maintenance solutions to help you keep your kitchen running efficiently and sustainably.

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Optimise Refrigeration and Freezing

Refrigeration units are among the largest energy consumers in a commercial kitchen. To optimise their efficiency:

Proper Loading: Avoid overloading or underloading refrigerators and freezers to maintain consistent temperatures. Properly loaded units operate more efficiently because air can circulate freely around the stored items. Overloading can block airflow, while underloading wastes space and energy.
Door Management: Install door closers or alarms to prevent doors from being left open. These devices help maintain the internal temperature and reduce the workload on the compressor. Keeping doors closed as much as possible also prevents warm air from entering, which would otherwise increase energy consumption.
Regular Cleaning: Clean condenser coils and check seals and gaskets regularly to ensure they function correctly. Dirty coils and worn seals can cause the unit to use more energy to maintain the desired temperature. Regular cleaning and maintenance help keep refrigeration units running efficiently and extend their lifespan.

These practices can help reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of your refrigeration units.

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Effective Heating and Cooling Management

Managing heating and cooling effectively can lead to significant energy savings. Consider these strategies:

Smart Thermostats: Use programmable thermostats to control temperatures based on occupancy and kitchen activity. These thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature when the kitchen is not in use, reducing energy consumption. For example, during non-operational hours, the thermostat can lower heating or cooling to save energy.
Night-Time Setback: Engage night-time setback settings to reduce heating and cooling during non-operational hours. This setting allows the temperature to drop slightly when the kitchen is not in use, which saves energy without compromising comfort when operations resume.
Ventilation Maintenance: Regularly maintain ventilation and extraction systems to ensure they operate efficiently and seal any leaks to prevent energy loss. Leaks and blockages in these systems can cause them to work harder and use more energy. Regular inspections and maintenance help keep the system running smoothly and efficiently.#

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Efficient Lighting Solutions

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is an easy and effective way to reduce energy consumption. Consider the following:

LED Bulbs: Replace traditional bulbs with LED bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy and last significantly longer. LEDs also produce less heat, reducing the load on air conditioning systems. Although the initial cost is higher, the long-term savings on energy and replacement costs make LEDs a smart investment.
Sensor-Controlled Lighting: Install sensors to ensure lights are only on when areas are occupied. Motion sensors can automatically turn lights on and off, preventing wastage in areas like storerooms and corridors. This ensures that lights are used only when needed, further reducing energy consumption.
External Lighting: Use solar-powered lighting for external areas to save on energy costs. Solar lights charge during the day and provide illumination at night without consuming electricity. This is an excellent option for parking lots, walkways, and outdoor dining areas.

These lighting solutions not only reduce energy consumption but also lower long-term costs.

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Staff Training and Behavioural Changes

Educating your staff on energy-efficient practices is vital for creating a sustainable kitchen. Here are some ways to foster a culture of energy efficiency:

Regular Training: Conduct training sessions on equipment usage and energy-saving techniques. Regular training ensures that staff are aware of the best practices for energy conservation. Topics can include proper use of appliances, efficient cooking methods, and maintenance routines.
Clear Signage: Use signs to remind staff to turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Visual reminders can reinforce energy-saving habits and encourage staff to take action. Place signs near light switches, appliances, and entryways to ensure they are seen frequently.
Processes: Establish good processes to support energy efficiency. This can help to embed the positive behaviours that can support efficient operations. Ensure that the team embrace the processes and that management leads by example, creating a culture of accountability and commitment to energy conservation.

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Conclusion

Creating an energy-efficient commercial kitchen is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your organisation’s bottom line. Implementing the strategies discussed in this blog can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs. For more expert advice and customised solutions, contact The Airedale Group for support designing, building and maintaining a more efficient commercial kitchen.