Solar-powered coffee?

Solar systems can save your business money and satisfy your environmental conscience

Bill Swan and his company, Greenman Sustainable Solutions, installed a solar hot water system at Kicking Horse Café. — Bill Swan, Greenman Sustainable Solutions, photo

Basking in the sunshine savouring the perfect cup of coffee is an unbeatable way to enjoy any morning or afternoon. In Invermere, British Columbia, that sunshine and cup of brew are very closely linked.

In June 2010, Greenman Sustainable Solutions facilitated the installation of a solar hot water heating system at the Kicking Horse Coffee Café in Invermere. Bill Swan, the owner of Greenman, has been providing materials and services for green building for some time now, as well as offering solar energy and green building presentations and educational outreach.

“Kicking Horse Coffee in Invermere installed a system that keeps its commercial dishwashers and sinks supplied with hot water (and) that helps cut energy costs,” said Swan. “It shows patrons they care about the impact of their operations.”

It's all in synch

Swan said typically restaurants use large quantities of hot water throughout the day, and that solar hot water heating is doubly effective in the Kootenay region where maximum sunshine hours coincide with peak demand.

“This close matching of energy production and use adds up to maximum savings in the case of Kicking Horse Café’s hot water heating bill,” said Swan.

Swan is a great believer in cutting operating costs in the competitive hospitality sector by making good, environmentally aware decisions.

“It is a good thing,” he said, “better for business.”

Consumers appreciate greenness

Swan said renewable energy and other conservation and waste strategies can help lower operational costs, and attract patrons who want their purchasing to align with their values. He said restaurants, resorts, golf courses, food and hospitality industries are a vital part of our economy in the Kootenay region.

“It is also a sector that uses large amounts of energy and produces waste,” said Swan. “Successful hospitality-sector business managers also know that world-savvy food patrons are looking for something unique but are seeking these experiences in a cost-conscious way.”

To find out more about what Greenman Sustainable Solutions can provide for your business, contact Swan by email or by phone at 250-270-0813.