Energy efficiency enhanced at wine cellar

"I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the service to any business concerned about energy costs and usage."

Sheldon’s Wine Cellars is a small, independent wine merchant based in the north Cotswold town of Shipston-on-Stour. The business was founded in 1842 by Richard Badger, who transitioned from selling medicated wine at his pharmacy to becoming a vintner. In the late 1850s, the business was handed over to his nephew, Edward Sheldon. Throughout the latter part of the 19th century, the business thrived, supplying wines across the UK and to many parts of the British Empire.

An Energy Audit conducted by the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service, commissioned by Warwickshire County Council and the five District and Borough Councils, and delivered by the team at Coventry City Council took place in October 2024 where an Energy Advisor met with the owner, Shane Slater. Shane explained how the business functions and highlighted the challenges they face. It was noted that wine is best kept within a certain temperature range, and the customer display area suffered from significant temperature changes throughout the year. The loft above the customer display area had no insulation, leading to significant energy inefficiencies. Additionally, the area had a single glazed bay window and solid walls with no insulation, contributing to high energy costs.

The Energy Advisor provided several recommendations to improve thermal performance and therefore energy efficiency:

1. Loft Insulation: By adding high-quality insulation to the loft, Sheldon’s Wine Cellars could save over 200 kWh (kilowatt hours) per year.

2. Single Glazed Bay Window Replacement: Replacing the single glazed bay window with double glazing to reduce heat loss.

3. Solid Wall Insulation: Insulating the solid walls to prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, improving thermal performance.

By implementing these energy-saving measures, Sheldon’s Wine Cellars could potentially save over £2,500 per year on their energy costs. These improvements would not only reduce the business's carbon footprint but also enhance the comfort of the premises for both employees and customers.

Investing in energy efficiency upgrades is a cost-effective strategy for Sheldon’s Wine Cellars to reduce operational expenses and contribute to environmental sustainability. The recommended measures will yield significant energy savings and financial benefits, reinforcing the business’s commitment to sustainable practices

Sheldon's Wine Cellars owner, Shane Slater, said: "The process of organising the energy audit was easy. Carl turned up on the day and spent a good couple of hours with us understanding our energy needs and surveying the building. He made some recommendations on the day which were included with others in his comprehensive report that followed. He's given us a path forward, helping us understand how we can make our environment more suitable for our business. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the service to any business concerned about energy costs and usage."

* WBEAS is funded by UK Government (through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via all five district and borough councils and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero via West Midlands Combined Authority) and Warwickshire County Council.