In an innovative move, London will soon welcome The 55k Tonnes, its first carbon-negative pub, promoting eco-friendly practices and featuring unique sustainable elements.
In a novel initiative, London is set to see the launch of its first carbon-negative pub, The 55k Tonnes, offering visitors an eco-friendly twist on their traditional pub experience. Opened by Uber, the pop-up venue aims to promote sustainability and celebrate the company’s efforts in reducing pollution through its Uber Green initiative. Since launching the service in 2021, Uber has reportedly avoided around 55,000 tonnes of pollution in London.
The pub, located at ‘The Speaker’ in Westminster, will be operational for a brief period from October 7 to October 9. Patrons will have the chance to enjoy a variety of sustainable features, including energy-generating power bikes and floor tiles that convert footfalls into electricity.
Power bikes installed at the venue will allow patrons to generate electricity while enjoying their drinks. This concept echoes an initiative used by the band Coldplay on their 2022 tour, where fans powered the stage using stationary bikes. While the energy from these bikes won’t fully power the pub, they offer an innovative way for visitors to charge their personal devices like phones and laptops.
In addition to the bikes, Uber has partnered with Pavegen, a company specializing in harnessing kinetic energy from footsteps. The pub’s floor will be fitted with tiles that use electromagnetic generators to produce energy with each step. While each footstep generates between two to four joules of energy, which is minimal in comparison to what a light bulb consumes, the tiles symbolize a step towards incorporating renewable energy solutions in everyday life.
Beer enthusiasts visiting The 55k Tonnes will be treated to the world’s first carbon-negative beer, Swell lager, crafted by London’s Gipsy Hill Brewery. This sustainably brewed beverage is unique in that its production actually sequesters more carbon dioxide than it emits, thanks to regenerative farming techniques and the reuse of hops. At £5.50 per pint, Swell lager will be one of the most affordable beers in London, undercutting the average price by 80 pence.
The pub will also strive to reduce congestion during peak travel times by initiating a special happy hour starting at 5:50 pm. During this period, a range of drinks will be priced at £5.50, encouraging patrons to avoid travelling during rush hour.
Uber UK’s general manager, Andrew Brem, highlighted the pub’s dual role as an innovative social venue and a platform to foster dialogue about electrification and sustainable practices. Each pint comes with the added benefit of a 55 per cent discount on the customer’s next Uber Green ride, further promoting eco-friendly travel options.
Overall, The 55k Tonnes offers a creative intersection between leisure and sustainability, providing a glimpse into the potential of eco-conscious business models while celebrating Uber’s achievements in pollution reduction.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Image: Uber