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Calor is a brand of bottled butane and propane which is available in Britain and Ireland. It comes in cylinders, which have a special gas regulator.

Key Information

The company was formed in 1935, and is one of the UK's largest suppliers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is currently servicing around 4 million homes and businesses,[citation needed] supplying LPG to power gas appliances from central heating and hot water, as well as cookers, fires and barbecues. The company predominantly supplies LPG to homes in rural areas where there is no mains natural gas supply. In the United Kingdom, Calor is part of the SHV Gas Group a private Dutch company. Calor originally dealt only with cooking and heating appliances, but now covers a wider range of products for home, business, and automotive fuels.

Such was the company's ubiquity at one point that the term "Calor Gas" became a generic term in the UK for all bottled LPG canisters and LPG-fuelled appliances.

History

[edit]

In 1934, Ritchie Gill, a Cornishman who had been working in the US, returned to England. He spotted an opportunity for a product successfully used in America – liquefied petroleum gas. Gill coined the name Calor Gas and in January 1935 he set up Modern Gas & Equipment Co. Ltd, based in London.[1] In August 1935 the trade was transferred to the Calor (Distributing) Co. Limited.[2]

The business expanded as people in rural areas of the UK realised the benefits of this new fuel – LPG. So by 1939 the company had six offices in the UK: a head office in London and five regional offices.[3] Calor (Scotland) had been founded and in Ireland, Calor gas was being distributed by Messrs. McMullen Ltd., which was later purchased by Calor.[3]

In 1947, there was an exceptionally hard winter which led to a major change in the way that Calor was distributed. Up to this point Calor had been relying upon rail transport for the distribution of the LPG. Calor signed a contract with PX (Carriers) Ltd., to deliver cylinders by road.[3]

The first wholly owned filling plant was built at Saxham, near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk[3] and a further two filling plants were built in the 1950s to give Calor even wider coverage. These two plants were at Millbrook near Southampton (1956) and Port Clarence near Middlesbrough (1959).[3] The Millbrook filling plant was closed in 2001; however the sales and service centre remains, selling gas and gas appliances.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Flavel B500 cooker, which used Calor gas; it became a great success story with caravan owners and smaller households.[3]

1956 saw the birth of Calor's industrial division and installation of the first "bulk propane" tank at the Meredith & Drew biscuit factory in Newmarket.[3]

In 1963 Calor Ltd. was formed.[3] 1966 saw a new head office being acquired in Slough, which led to over 300 employees moving into this location.[3]

In 1967, Calor was granted a Royal Warrant for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas to Her Majesty the Queen.[3] The company was later granted a second Warrant, this time for supplying Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

In 1969 the Imperial Continental Gas Association acquired all the shares in the Company that it did not already own.[2]

From the early 1970s onwards sales of cabinet heaters, and with them sales of butane in cylinders, escalated enormously, beginning with Super Ser which rapidly replaced the paraffin heater as the nation's number one choice for spot heating.[3] In a decade, the market for cabinet heaters and the gas they burned grew from nothing to £100 million p.a. This led to increasing demand for storage space, which led to Calor investing in the two largest storage facilities. The first was purchased in 1976: a 30,000 tonne refrigerated storage tank at Felixstowe in Suffolk.[3] The second was a joint venture with Conoco to excavate a vast cavern on South Humberside, capable of containing some 100,000 tonnes of gas supplied from an adjacent sea terminal. This facility, opened in 1985, gave Calor the ability to overcome short-term supply difficulties and to cope with major changes in demand brought on by extremes of weather.[3]

During the 1980s, Calor's domestic central heating and industrial markets continued to expand and in 1982 the company's head office moved to a 40-acre (16 ha) site near Slough.[3]

Despite great efforts to establish a nationwide network of outlets, Calor Autogas (vehicle propane) never quite reached expectations, due largely to the Government's inability to recognise its considerable environmental advantages by reducing duty. However, the fuel did become very popular for fork lift trucks, helped greatly by the launch, in 1989, of Calor's exhaust purification system, EPS2000, which enabled vehicles to be used both indoors and outside.[3]

In 1986 the company's parent, Imperial Continental Gas Association plc, rejected a bid from Gulf Resources & Chemical Corporation, a company controlled by the Barclay brothers.[4] Instead in 1987 Imperial Continental Gas Association broke itself up into Calor Group and Contibel (now owned by Tractebel).[5]

In 1988 the privately owned Dutch company, SHV became a significant shareholder, acquiring 40% of Calor Group's equity.[3]

In 1991, a joint venture company involving Calor, SHV and Primagaz (in which SHV holds a 50% stake) had been started in both Poland and Slovakia. This was then followed by Hungary in 1992.[3] In 1997 SHV acquired the rest of Calor's shares.[3]

In 2002 Calor opened 12 Customer Operations Centres at Grangemouth, Port Clarence, Stoney Stanton, Elland, Ellesmere Port, Coryton, Cranbrook, Saxham, Fawley, Neath, and Newbury.[3]

In December 2005 The Canvey LNG project was announced which commenced with a feasibility study into the development of a strategic LPG import and regasification facility at the existing Calor LNG terminal at Canvey Island, Essex UK. The project is led by Calor Gas and also includes LNG Japan Corporation, (Joint Venture of Sumitomo Corporation and Sojitz Corporation). Following this study Centrica has now been selected as a gas supply partner and would hold equity in the facility, together with capacity rights enabling it to deliver supplies to their British Gas customers from a range of international sources. A full scale planning application and project plan is now being developed.[6]

On 16 of February 2023 Calor announced workforce reduction of 114 positions in Commercial, Operations and Central Functions departments.

Products

[edit]

Calor provide gas both for use in bulk tanks (which may be stored above or below ground) and in smaller gas cylinders.

Bulk tanks

[edit]

Calor can provide a variety of sizes in both above- and below-ground formats. Tanks are available with a monitor, which automatically inform Calor when stocks are low so that the gas can then be refuelled without intervention by the tank's owner.[citation needed]

Gas cylinders

[edit]

Calor's largest cylinder (47 kg) can be used in packs (4 x 47 kg gas cylinders) which are able to supply central heating systems of up to 60 kW as well as cookers and fires. When one pair runs low the valve automatically switches to the second pair so that the supply is continuous.

For leisure use such as caravanning and barbecuing, Calor retail butane, propane and Patio Gas (an alternative brand name for propane)[7] cylinders, all of which come in a number of sizes. A new Calor Lite cylinder, produced from lightweight steel, released in 2008, was targeted at the caravan market but has now been withdrawn due to production issues. [8]

Calor also provides LPG for business customers.

Calor Village of the Year

[edit]

Calor fund and organise the Calor Village of the Year competition in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which over 1,000 villages enter every year.

Calor is a member of the Business in the Community 'PerCent Club' allegedly investing more than 1% of its pre-tax profit in community projects.[citation needed]

The first Calor UK Village of the Year 2008 was announced on 2 December 2008 as the Isle of Barra in the Western Isles of Scotland.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Calor Gas

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Calor Gas is a prominent British supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), specializing in bottled cylinders, bulk tanks, and renewable BioLPG for domestic, commercial, industrial, and leisure applications, particularly serving off-grid and rural customers across the United Kingdom.[1] Established in 1935 as a brand of the Modern Gas and Equipment Company Ltd., it pioneered the distribution of LPG in the UK, initially targeting rural households with a versatile alternative to traditional fuels like coal and oil.[1] The company's growth reflected the expanding role of LPG in post-war Britain, with milestones including the installation of the first propane bulk tank in 1956 and support for wartime emergency systems during World War II.[1] By the late 20th century, Calor Gas had become a market leader, acquired in stages by SHV Energy—first with a 40% stake in 1988 and full ownership by 1997—integrating it into a global network of LPG providers.[1] Today, as a wholly owned subsidiary of SHV Energy, Calor Gas emphasizes sustainable energy solutions, notably launching large-scale BioLPG distribution in 2018 to reduce carbon emissions in heating and manufacturing sectors.[1] Calor Gas's product range includes portable cylinders for barbecues and camping, larger patio gas bottles, and industrial bulk supplies for processes like forklifts and manufacturing, alongside engineering services such as tank installations and safety inspections.[2] With a focus on reliability and environmental responsibility, the company serves households and businesses across the UK, marking its 90th anniversary in 2025 as the UK's foremost LPG distributor.[1]

History

Founding and Early Development

Calor Gas traces its origins to 1934, when Ritchie Gill, a Cornish entrepreneur who had been working in the United States, identified the potential for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), particularly butane, as a versatile fuel source in the UK market.[1] Drawing from his exposure to LPG applications abroad, Gill recognized its suitability for areas lacking mains gas infrastructure, prompting him to pursue its introduction upon his return to England.[3] In January 1935, Gill formally established the Modern Gas and Equipment Co. Ltd. in London, marking the official founding of the company that would pioneer LPG distribution in the UK.[1] That same year, he coined the brand name "Calor Gas," derived from the Latin word for heat, to market the product as a clean and portable alternative to traditional fuels.[1] The initial business model centered on importing and distributing LPG in portable cylinders, targeting off-grid rural households and communities where natural gas mains were unavailable, thus addressing a key energy access gap in pre-war Britain.[1] By 1937, Calor Gas had gained traction through innovative applications across domestic, commercial, and public sectors, demonstrating its versatility beyond basic heating. Notable early uses included floodlighting Glamis Castle—the ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth—for the 1937 coronation celebrations of King George VI, as well as hot spray painting at Liverpool Street Station, illuminating road signs, and powering mobile coffee stalls.[1] These deployments highlighted LPG's reliability for lighting, heating, and industrial processes in diverse settings. From 1937 to 1939, the company expanded its operations rapidly, establishing an initial network of service and supply points to support growing demand in rural and remote areas. By 1939, Calor Gas boasted 40,000 satisfied users and over 500 depots nationwide, solidifying its role as an essential off-grid energy provider ahead of the wartime period.[1]

Expansion During and Post-War Periods

During World War II, Calor Gas played a vital role in supporting the Allied war effort by supplying portable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) solutions tailored to military and civilian requirements. The company provided cooking facilities for naval vessels, power generation for mobile canteens serving troops, and reliable emergency gas systems for hospitals facing disruptions in traditional fuel supplies. Additionally, Calor collaborated with the Royal Air Force on specialized applications, including the development of smoke wind indicators for airfield operations and fuel for hot air balloons used in reconnaissance and training.[1] In the immediate post-war period, Calor Gas focused on recovery and scaling operations to address the heightened demand for LPG among rural and off-grid households in the UK, where mains gas infrastructure was limited. The company shifted from rail-dependent distribution to road transport in 1947 amid unreliable railway services, achieving nationwide coverage by 1948 through a fleet of 75 vehicles that delivered 1.28 million cylinders annually. This logistical overhaul was bolstered by the establishment of key storage and distribution facilities in the 1940s, enabling efficient supply to remote areas and supporting workforce growth to manage expanded operations.[1] By the mid-1950s, Calor's expansion continued with innovations in industrial applications, including the ordering of 50 100-gallon propane tanks in June 1955 for heating purposes, providing a scalable alternative to bottled gas for larger users and further extending its reach to off-grid commercial needs.[1]

Key Milestones and Acquisitions

In 1956, Calor Gas introduced bulk propane supplies with the creation of its Industrial Division on January 1 and the installation of the first propane bulk tank on February 22 at Meredith and Drew's biscuit factory in Newmarket, marking a shift toward larger-scale industrial applications of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).[1] In 1963, Calor Gas Ltd. was formally established as a dedicated entity. The headquarters relocated to Slough in 1966, accommodating over 300 employees. By 1967, the company received its first Royal Warrant for excellence in LPG supply, recognizing its role in providing liquefied petroleum gas to Her Majesty the Queen.[1] In 1970, Calor ordered 4,000 Super Ser heaters, expanding its product applications. The 1970s and 1980s saw significant infrastructure expansions to enhance import and distribution capabilities. In 1976, Calor constructed a major gas storage facility at Felixstowe, Suffolk, featuring a 30,000-tonne refrigerated propane tank that became Europe's largest of its kind at the time.[1] This was followed in 1985 by the opening of the South Humberside storage facility, jointly operated with Conoco, which included two large underground caverns capable of holding approximately 100,000 tonnes of LPG supplied via an adjacent sea terminal, enabling greater self-sufficiency in gas handling.[4] Corporate evolution accelerated in the late 1980s through international investment. In 1988, SHV Energy, a Dutch multinational, acquired a 40% stake in Calor, providing capital for modernization and expansion.[1] This partnership culminated in 1997 when SHV Energy took full ownership, transforming Calor into a wholly owned subsidiary and prompting the relocation of its headquarters to Warwick to streamline operations.[1] In 2018, Calor launched large-scale BioLPG distribution with its first delivery on March 16, advancing sustainable energy solutions.[1] In 2020, the company celebrated its 85th anniversary and increased its Rural Community Fund to £85,000. In January 2023, Calor announced the discontinuation of smaller cylinders including 3.9 kg propane and 4.5 kg butane effective February 2023; however, following customer feedback, it reversed this decision in late 2023, confirming continued supply as of 2024.[5][6] In 2025, Calor marked its 90th anniversary as the UK's leading LPG supplier.[1]

Corporate Profile

Ownership and Governance

Calor Gas Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of SHV Energy, the energy division of the Dutch family-owned multinational SHV Holdings N.V., having achieved full ownership in 1997 after SHV Energy initially acquired a 40% stake in 1988.[1][7] This structure positions Calor within a global network focused on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution, with SHV Holdings maintaining ultimate control as a private entity operating in multiple sectors.[8] Incorporated on 2 August 1935 as a private limited company under UK law (company number 00303703), Calor Gas Limited maintains its registered headquarters at Athena House, Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6RL.[9] The company's governance is directed by a board of directors, which as of 2025 includes executives such as Mark Alan Cleaver (Managing Director), Zvonimir Nemet, Rogerio Lopes, and recently appointed members like Bhushan Bagde and Charlotte Louise Noble, all operating under the strategic oversight of SHV Energy's leadership to align with group-wide objectives.[10] This board structure ensures adherence to the UK Companies Act 2006, while the company complies with energy sector regulations enforced by Ofgem for market operations and the Health and Safety Executive for LPG safety standards.[11][12] With approximately 1,825 employees as of 2025, Calor Gas plays a key role in the SHV Energy group, which employs over 13,000 people worldwide and supplies energy solutions to 26 million customers across 21 countries.[13][14] This workforce supports Calor's operations within the broader SHV Gas Group, emphasizing decentralized energy provision while upholding corporate governance principles of transparency and ethical compliance.

Operations and Infrastructure

Calor Gas supplies liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to approximately 4 million homes and businesses across the United Kingdom, with a primary focus on rural and off-grid locations where mains gas infrastructure is unavailable.[15][16][17] This extensive customer base relies on Calor's reliable delivery of propane and butane for heating, cooking, and industrial applications, supported by a nationwide network that ensures consistent access in remote areas.[18] The company's import and distribution infrastructure includes key terminals for handling propane and butane, such as the Immingham terminal on the South Humberside coast, operational since 1985 and connected to underground storage, enabling efficient LPG imports via dedicated jetties and helping to mitigate supply fluctuations. Historically, infrastructure included the Felixstowe facility, which opened in 1976 with a 30,000-tonne refrigerated storage capacity—the largest of its kind in Europe at the time.[1] Calor maintains 16 strategically positioned bulk distribution depots and over 11,000 cylinder stockists, forming the UK's only truly nationwide LPG distribution network.[19] Logistics operations encompass cylinder rental programs, where customers exchange empty cylinders for full ones at stockists, paying primarily for the gas content while Calor manages ownership and maintenance.[20] Bulk delivery is handled by one of the largest dedicated LPG tanker fleets in the UK, with over 400 trained drivers ensuring timely refills for tanks ranging from 1,200 to 24,000 liters.[19][21] Customer service includes dedicated teams for order placement via a 24/7 helpline (0345 609 6202), delivery tracking, and on-site maintenance, with automatic top-up systems using telemetry to monitor usage and prevent shortages.[22][23] In 2024, Calor reversed its earlier decision to phase out small cylinders, committing to continued supply and refills of 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane bottles, thereby supporting leisure, camping, and small-scale users who depend on these portable sizes.[24][25] This adjustment followed customer feedback and ensures uninterrupted access without the need for larger alternatives.[24]

Products and Services

Gas Cylinders

Calor Gas offers a range of portable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders designed for various domestic, commercial, and recreational applications, with sizes tailored to different user needs. The largest commonly used cylinder is the 47kg propane model, primarily employed for home heating, cooking, and hot water supply in properties without access to mains gas or space for bulk installations.[26] Smaller options include the 13kg propane cylinder, suitable for cooking and heating in caravans, narrowboats, and light commercial settings like mobile catering.[27] For outdoor leisure activities, Patio Gas cylinders—available in 5kg and 13kg propane sizes—power barbecues, patio heaters, and pizza ovens, offering portability with easy-to-carry handles.[28] The cylinders contain either propane or butane, selected based on application and environmental conditions. Propane, stored in red or green cylinders, is ideal for heating and outdoor uses due to its low boiling point of -42°C, enabling reliable performance in cold weather.[29] Butane, in blue cylinders, suits portable indoor applications like camping stoves or caravan cooking, with a higher boiling point of -2°C that limits its effectiveness below freezing.[29] Customers do not own the cylinders outright; instead, they enter a rental model via a one-time Cylinder Rental Agreement (CRA) fee, which covers ongoing access, maintenance, and eventual return options.[30] Refilling occurs through an exchange system at authorized Calor dealers or centers, where an empty cylinder is swapped for a full one to ensure safety and efficiency, avoiding on-site filling.[30] Calor publishes suggested retail refill/exchange prices for its 13kg cylinders: £45.50 for standard 13kg Propane and £52.50 for 13kg Patio Gas (Propane), although actual prices may vary by local stockist.[31] For example, in Orpington, stockists include Orpington Service Station and Petts Wood DIY—contact them directly for current local pricing.[32][33] Safety features include built-in pressure relief valves to prevent over-pressurization, tamper-evident seals and caps for integrity checks, and periodic reconditioning to maintain structural standards.[34] Users must store cylinders upright in well-ventilated outdoor areas, away from ignition sources, and connect them using compatible regulators (27mm clip-on for Patio Gas propane, 21mm for butane).[35] In response to user demand, Calor announced in January 2024 that it would maintain supply and refilling services for smaller 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane cylinders, reversing an earlier plan to phase them out and ensuring availability for compact recreational and small-scale domestic uses like camping.[24] These cylinders remain popular for their lightweight design in barbecues and portable heaters, supporting Calor's commitment to accessible LPG solutions across settings.[6]

Bulk Tanks

Calor Gas provides bulk tank solutions for long-term liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage, catering primarily to residential homes, farms, and businesses located off the mains gas grid. These stationary systems offer a reliable alternative to piped natural gas, enabling continuous supply for heating, cooking, and industrial processes in remote or rural areas.[36][19] Bulk tanks are available in above-ground and below-ground configurations to suit various site requirements and aesthetic preferences. Above-ground tanks, which sit on a concrete base, are suitable for open spaces and come in standard capacities such as 1,200 liters and 2,000 liters for domestic use, while larger options extend up to 24,000 liters for commercial applications. Below-ground tanks, buried to minimize visual impact—ideal for sensitive locations like listed buildings—typically range from 2,100 liters to 4,000 liters for homes and farms, with excavation and backfill required during installation. Both types must maintain a 3-meter clearance from buildings, boundaries, trees, vehicles, and other obstacles to ensure safe access for delivery tankers, which need at least 2.75 meters of width.[36][19][37] The installation process begins with a free site survey by Calor specialists to assess location, access, and groundwork needs, followed by design incorporating service pipework, regulators, and an emergency control valve. Customers can opt for a full turnkey service where Calor manages all aspects, including concrete bases for above-ground units or hole excavation for below-ground ones, or handle preparatory civil works themselves to reduce costs. All installations comply with UKLPG Codes of Practice, BS EN ISO 9001 quality standards, and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, requiring oversight by Gas Safe registered engineers to ensure structural integrity and leak prevention.[36][19][37] To support uninterrupted supply, Calor equips bulk tanks with a complimentary computerized telemetry system that monitors gas levels remotely via GPRS signals and triggers automatic refills when thresholds are reached, optimizing delivery routes to minimize emissions. This service adapts to varying usage patterns, from monthly residential needs to high-volume commercial demands, and includes options for customers to receive text notifications about scheduled deliveries. For smaller-scale requirements, such as occasional use, Calor offers portable cylinders as a complementary alternative.[38][19] In applications, bulk tanks provide dependable energy for agriculture—such as crop drying, greenhouse heating, and livestock rearing—manufacturing processes like kilns and metalworking, and rural central heating systems including water heaters and radiant units. Their design emphasizes reliability for high-volume users, with Calor's extensive UK tanker fleet enabling deliveries to even remote mainland locations.[19][36] Maintenance responsibilities fall under Calor's tank rental agreements, which include annual services, inspections during refills, and call-outs at no extra charge, with annual standing charges billed quarterly. Regular compliance checks by Gas Safe professionals ensure ongoing safety and efficiency, covering pressure testing, corrosion prevention, and adherence to environmental regulations.[37][19]

BioLPG and Specialized Offerings

In 2018, Calor Gas launched BioLPG, a renewable alternative to conventional liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) derived from waste oils and vegetable fats.[39][40] This drop-in fuel is chemically identical to fossil-based LPG, allowing seamless use in existing cylinders, tanks, and appliances without modifications.[40][41] BioLPG significantly lowers the carbon footprint, with lifecycle emissions reduced by up to 84% compared to traditional LPG, depending on feedstock sources.[41] It is produced through hydrotreatment processes that convert renewable feedstocks into propane and butane, supporting eco-conscious heating, cooking, and industrial applications.[42] Calor promotes BioLPG to customers seeking sustainable energy options, emphasizing its role in diversifying fuel sources and enhancing energy security.[43] Available in both cylinder and bulk formats, BioLPG integrates directly with Calor's standard LPG infrastructure, enabling straightforward adoption for residential, commercial, and off-grid users.[41][44] Beyond BioLPG, Calor offers specialized LPG products tailored to niche sectors. Industrial propane supports manufacturing processes, such as forklifts and production heating, where reliable off-grid energy is essential.[45][46] Leisure gases, including patio propane and caravan-compatible cylinders, power outdoor events, camping, and recreational activities.[47][48] These offerings extend traditional LPG uses to specialized environments like crop-drying and leisure parks, maintaining compatibility with Calor's delivery network.[48]

Sustainability Efforts

Environmental Initiatives

Calor Gas has committed to achieving net zero emissions across its operations by 2050, aligning with the UK's broader decarbonization targets, and emphasizes the role of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in facilitating off-grid energy transitions for homes and businesses in rural and remote areas.[49] This commitment includes increasing the supply of sustainable fuels to customers, recognizing LPG's potential as a versatile, low-carbon option where full electrification remains impractical due to infrastructure limitations.[49] In support of the UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides grants for low-carbon heating installations, Calor promotes LPG-based hybrid systems that integrate with heat pumps to enhance efficiency in off-grid properties, helping rural homeowners meet climate goals without extensive grid upgrades.[50] LPG serves as an effective bridge fuel in these areas, offering immediate emission reductions; for instance, efficient LPG appliances can lower carbon outputs by up to 16% compared to traditional oil heating, providing a practical pathway during the shift to renewables.[50] Calor engages in partnerships and pursues certifications to advance sustainable sourcing and operational waste reduction, including its platinum membership in the Essex Wildlife Trust to support biodiversity initiatives and collaborations with technology developers like Adelan for innovative fuel cell applications.[51][52] These efforts ensure traceability in fuel supply chains, with renewable components like BioLPG derived from waste and residues, certified through schemes such as Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs).[53]

Carbon Reduction and Innovation

Calor Gas has integrated BioLPG into its supply chains since 2018, utilizing mass balancing techniques to blend renewable feedstocks with conventional LPG while maintaining traceability and certification for sustainability claims.[41] This approach allows BioLPG to deliver up to 84% lower lifecycle emissions compared to heating oil, based on well-to-wheel assessments, enabling seamless adoption in existing infrastructure without requiring equipment changes.[41] By 2023, Calor reported that BioLPG contributed to overall emissions reductions, aligning with broader decarbonization efforts in off-grid heating applications.[54] As of 2024, Calor procured BioLPG certificates covering 36% of its propane consumption.[49] To enhance operational efficiency and minimize logistics-related emissions, Calor implemented smart telemetry systems for bulk LPG tanks, which provide real-time monitoring of gas levels via GPRS technology.[38] These systems enable auto-ordering, where usage data informs predictive delivery scheduling, optimizing routes and reducing unnecessary vehicle trips, thereby lowering fuel consumption in the supply chain.[38] This innovation supports Calor's internal targets for operational efficiencies following its 2022-2023 sustainability restructuring, which emphasized digital tools to cut Scope 1 emissions by 18% from 2021 to 2023.[54] By 2024, Scope 1 and 2 emissions (location-based) were reduced by 19% from the 2021 baseline.[49] Calor participates in the UK's net zero by 2050 climate goals by promoting low-carbon heating solutions for rural homeowners, who often rely on off-grid systems.[50] Through BioLPG tariffs and support programs, the company facilitates upgrades to renewable-compatible installations, reducing household emissions while addressing challenges in remote areas.[54] Additionally, initiatives as of 2023 include fleet electrification, with 58% of company vehicles converted to hybrid or electric by the end of 2023, alongside a 7.5% reduction in diesel usage to further operational decarbonization.[54] As of 2024, 50% of the fleet had been switched to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), with all post-2017 vehicles transitioned, supporting SHV Energy's target of 25% carbon reduction by 2025.[49][55] In 2024, Calor launched Futuria DME, a sustainable fuel produced from renewable and recycled carbon, as part of its portfolio to advance low-carbon innovations.[56]

Community Engagement

Calor Village of the Year Competition

The Calor Village of the Year Competition was launched in 1997 as part of Calor's "Calor in the Community" initiative, aimed at recognizing and celebrating outstanding rural villages across the United Kingdom for their vibrancy and contributions to local life.[57][1] This annual award, which ran from 1997 to 2014, sought to highlight communities that demonstrated strong environmental stewardship, robust community spirit, and economic resilience, aligning with Calor's focus on supporting off-grid rural areas through its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) services.[58] The competition's format involved villages submitting entries judged on key criteria such as environmental efforts, community engagement, and local business vitality, with regional heats leading to national finalists.[59] Over 1,000 villages participated each year during its run, competing in dedicated categories for England, Scotland, and Wales, where independent judges assessed submissions based on factors including sustainability, people-focused initiatives, and economic activity.[58][60] Winners received prizes such as cash grants for community projects, often totaling several thousand pounds, to further enhance local development.[61] A notable example is the 2008 edition, in which the Isle of Barra in Scotland's Outer Hebrides was crowned the overall UK Village of the Year, earning accolades for its island community resilience and also securing the Scottish regional title.[62] This victory included funding to support local initiatives, underscoring the competition's impact in bolstering rural vitality. Through such recognitions, the awards promoted off-grid energy solutions by linking winners with Calor's LPG expertise, helping sustain remote communities' infrastructure and daily needs.[62][63] The competition was resurrected in 2025 by the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, with Fairford in Gloucestershire named a winner.[64][65]

Rural Community Support Programs

Calor has long supported rural communities in the UK through its "Calor in the Community" initiative, which was established in the 1990s to foster stronger links with local areas and promote social responsibility as part of the company's broader commitment to off-grid regions.[1] This program emphasizes rural development, energy access, and sustainability, particularly for villages not connected to the mains gas grid, aligning with Calor's 90-year history of providing LPG solutions to remote areas since its founding in 1935.[1][66] A key component is the Calor Rural Community Fund, launched in 2017 to provide direct grants for local projects that enhance community life in rural off-grid locations.[67] The fund offers tiered awards, including £5,000, £2,500, and £1,000 grants, supplemented by crowdfunding support, and has distributed over £460,000 to more than 214 projects in its first four years.[68] In 2020, to mark the company's 85th anniversary, the prize pot was increased to £85,000, enabling 22 rural initiatives to receive funding for improvements such as renovations and equipment upgrades.[69][1] Funded projects often focus on practical enhancements to rural infrastructure and well-being. For instance, Shutford Village Hall in Oxfordshire received £2,500 in 2017 to install a new kitchen, improving facilities for community gatherings.[70] Environmental efforts have included Allendale Preschool's £5,000 grant in 2020 to create a fertile garden space for educational and ecological benefits, while Bitterley Primary School used a similar award to build an outdoor classroom promoting hands-on environmental learning.[71] Energy efficiency initiatives, such as the £2,500 awarded to The Toolshed project in central England for equipment to support repairing and recycling activities, help promote sustainable practices in isolated villages.[71] Through these non-competitive grants, Calor continues its dedication to empowering rural communities, complementing related recognition efforts like the Village of the Year Competition by providing tangible financial support for grassroots development.[1] This ongoing involvement underscores the company's role in addressing the unique challenges of off-grid living, from energy reliability to community cohesion.[68]

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  32. Flexible LPG storage solutions and installation - Calor Gas
  33. None
  34. Calor Gas Bulk Orders With Auto-ordering | Switch to LPG
  35. Calor Gas Launches Its Responsible Business Plan for 2018 - 2020
  36. [PDF] BioLPG from Calor Introducing a UK fuel exclusive
  37. BioLPG - Sustainable Fuel For Homes and Businesses - Calor Gas
  38. Calor introduces BioLPG to the UK and sets target to be fully ...
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  43. Everything You Need To Know About Gas Bottles | Calor
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  45. [PDF] Carbon Reduction Plan 2024 - Calor Gas
  46. Reduce your carbon emissions - Calor Gas
  47. [PDF] Pathway to Net Zero - Liquid Gas UK
  48. Calor Becomes Platinum Member of Essex Wildlife Trust
  49. About Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs)
  50. It's our 90th Birthday at Calor! We're celebrating 90 years ... - Instagram
  51. None
  52. The Calor Village of the Year Competition 2009 - Denton, Norfolk
  53. Villagers try to hold onto top title - Colchester Gazette
  54. [PDF] calor "best of the best" competition results announced
  55. Barrow wins awards at Village of the Year contest - Cheshire Live
  56. Villages come out on top - Scottish Community Alliance
  57. Island of Barra wins two Village of the Year accolades - The Scotsman
  58. Calor Gas
  59. Celebrating 85 Years Of Calor Gas Powering Homes And Businesses
  60. https://www.rsnonline.org.uk/calor-gas-rural-community-fund-85k-available-to-support-rural-communities
  61. About | Calor Rural Community Fund
  62. Applications are now open | Calor Rural Community Fund 2020
  63. Calor Community Fund winners revealed - Rural Services Network
  64. Rural Community Fund 2020 – Winners Announced - Calor Gas
  65. Competitive LPG Prices | Bottle Prices & Bulk LPG Rates - Calor Gas
  66. Calor gas bottles | Orpington Service Station – Park | Kent
  67. Calor gas bottles | Petts Wood Diy | Orpington
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