In its latest PR move, Uber is to open what it claims will be London’s first “carbon-negative pub”, where drinkers will be invited to generate electricity while “sipping a beer in the saddle”.
At the pop-up boozer, called the 55k Tonnes and set to open for just two days between October 7-9, a host of “power bikes” are among technology designed to see a pub that creates more energy than it uses. The aim, Uber said, is to highlight how kinetic technology can be used to create renewable energy in everyday life.
Also in the mix is a Pavegen floor, which apparently transforms footsteps into electricity, and “carbon neutral” beers. The pub will serve Swell, brewed by South London’s Gipsy Hill Brewing, on draft, a lager made from regeneratively grown, bio-diverse barley from Wildfarmed.
The car booking app Uber has said it is undertaking the project as part of its upcoming climate event, GO-GET Zero, a sustainability showcase that aims to promote better environmental practices across businesses.
The tech giant added that London has become its energy-saving capital, with almost 30 per cent of all journey miles in London taken by way of electric vehicle. Uber said it is working to encourage users to use Uber Green, its electric-only option. Drivers on the service apparently earn 10 per cent more.
Andrew Brem, general manager at Uber UK, said: “In the UK pubs are where we exchange ideas and opinions, and what better way to promote a dialogue on electrification in the UK than with a carbon-negative pub.
“The opening of The 55k Tonnes in Westminster showcases Uber’s commitment to sustainability in London and beyond.”
How, though, is the pub actually “carbon negative”?
An Uber spokeswoman told the Standard: “We have worked with suppliers who operate at a carbon neutral/negative level and have kept this front of mind during the production of all elements, from the pot plants we have selected to the recyclable materials we’re using. The carbon footprint of the pub has also been offset to higher levels than carbon accrued, making it carbon-negative.
“All the suppliers involved in the activity also have strong climate credentials. For instance, we worked with a B-Corp establishment for all printing used in the pub. For the exterior we have sourced sustainable, locally grown plants which not only have air purifying capabilities but are also perennials, being good for bees and butterflies in the area.”
