Caban Brynrefail
Caban is unique enterprise located in the village of Brynrefail near Caernarfon. On site there is a café which employs 14 people as well as small business units which help create a further 15 to 20 jobs. As a co-operative its mission is to provide a hub in the heart of the community, working with partners to improve the quality of life locally. Protecting the environment is very important to the business, they work hard towards achieving the goal of net zero by 2030. Getting advice from experts and signing up for the Green Digital Academy appealed to Caban and meant they could go a step further.
The challenge - REACHING NET ZERO by 2030
Chris Wright outlines the company’s vision: “Our aim is to run a sustainable café here, as well as provide a home for local enterprises to thrive - this is why investing in our social and environmental future is important to us. We want to be economically and environmentally sustainable and are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030”. The Green Digital Academy report shows that purchased goods and services has the largest impact on the total carbon footprint of the business, making up over three quarters of emissions. Of this, food and drink supplies are the largest contributor. Heating generated on site is another significant source of carbon. Addressing these challenges, amongst others will be a focus for the business as it aims for net zero.
What the experts say - TACKLING EMISSIONS
Becoming carbon neutral is key to this business’s raison d’etre, so the team was keen to take on board the guidance included in their report. They are already working with local suppliers and choosing ethically sourced products which have a positive effect on their sustainability. As well as plans already in place, recommendations include phasing out the gas fired boiler in favour of a heat pump and installing EV charging points. In the medium term it’s recommended that PV panels should be installed to reduce reliance on the grid for electricity. Looking further in to the future, the local Green Digital Academy expert also recommends that the business should undertake a review of the roof and wall insulation for improved efficiency.
The outcome - A PATHWAY TO CARBON REDUCTION
As an ethical business committed to being carbon neutral, Chris feels that the Green Digital Academy report has given them new insight, particularly as they look to the future: “Reaching net zero by 2030 is an important goal for us as a business. Thanks to this project, we now have a clearer picture of the path we need to take to reduce our emissions for the good of the environment and Caban Brynrefail as a business. The feedback we received was extremely useful to us and we will take on board the experts’ recommendations to reach our goal.”
Want to know more or to take part in the project?
Contact green.digital@gllm.ac.uk | 08445 460 460
