News & Updates
Marston's solar rollout shines at national industry awards
1st October 2026
Marston's solar rollout partnership with Two Blues Solar has been named Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the Solar & Storage Live Awards.
The award recognises Marston's ambitious renewable energy programme, which is bringing solar generation to 120 pubs across its estate as part of the company's long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions and progressing towards its 2040 Net Zero target.
Launched in 2025, the £5.4 million project is being delivered in partnership with developer Two Blues Solar, installer Nuvolt and funder Finlight.
Initial figures from the rollout show that around 26,000 kWh of electricity is generated annually at each pub, with 97% expected to be used on site to meet energy demand. The scheme has already reduced Marston's carbon emissions by around 200 tonnes, with that figure expected to grow to more than 600 tonnes as the rollout continues.
The award was presented at the Solar & Storage Live Awards in Birmingham, which celebrate organisations driving innovation and progress across the renewable energy sector.
Andy Kershaw, Director of Investment at Marston’s, said:
"This recognition reflects what can be achieved when sustainability ambitions are backed by a delivery model that works at scale.
“We wanted to accelerate solar deployment across our estate without taking investment away from our pubs, our people or the guest experience. Working closely with Two Blues Solar, Nuvolt and Finlight, we've created a framework that allows us to do exactly that whilst making a meaningful reduction to our carbon emissions.
"There is still a way to go on our Net Zero journey, but this partnership has shown how collaboration and innovation can help us make faster progress."
Daniel Levene, Co-founder of Two Blues Solar, said:
"Large-scale solar projects are often discussed in terms of ambition, but this has been about turning ambition into delivery.
“This innovative project has been the first multi-site Power Purchase Agreement rollout of its kind for a large retail pub chain in the UK, which offers Marston’s a single, predictable energy rate for 25 years.
"Together we've demonstrated that renewable energy can be deployed efficiently across a large pub estate, creating long-term environmental and commercial benefits. It's fantastic to see that approach recognised by the industry."
Marston’s work with Two Blues Solar forms part of the company’s wider sustainability strategy, Pubs with Purpose, which brings together environmental, social and governance commitments across its operations and communities.