The National Trust has commissioned feasibility studies with the aim of putting renewable energy technologies in place at more of its historic buildings.
Europe’s largest conservation body has already installed sustainable systems at some of its sites, but is now investigating the viability of biomass and solar thermal options at further castles and houses.
Alternative energy consultancy Perpetual Energy has been appointed to conduct some of the assessments, which will look at four key considerations:
* Environmental – the impact on the landscape; CO2 emissions; species, habitats and buildings in the Trust’s care.
* Engineering and Technical – comparing renewable technologies; equipment costs; design and construction.
* Economic – researching financial implications; ownership; grants and assistance.
* Regulations – checking planning guidelines, safety and building requirements.
More than £35,000 has been invested in around 10 feasibility studies, with the aim of cutting carbon emissions in these buildings by 20 percent over the next three years.
Buildings being considered for the sustainable measures include Chirk Castle in Wrexham, Clandon Park and Mansion House in Surrey, Compton Castle in Devon, Dyffryn Mymbyr Residential Farm in Snowdonia and Stackpole Outdoor Learning Centre in Pembrokeshire. Some are several hundred years old.
Perpetual Energy Technical Director Rob Gwillim said: “Once the studies are completed, the Trust will examine the detailed reports and then decide on whether to implement the proposed ventures – biomass, solar thermal technology, or both.
“It’s all part of the organisation’s coherent, consistent and credible strategy to tackle climate change. The Trust wants to move away from using fossil fuels, such as oil, to heat their buildings when they can use natural resources including wood as a biomass fuel. There are also long-term financial benefits and there could be up to a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions at certain sites.”
Biomass boilers would generate carbon-neutral heat or electricity by burning plant-derived materials, such as wood pellets or chips, while solar thermal energy (STE) panels fitted to the roofs of National Trust properties would harness the heat of the sun for hot water systems.
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