Britain's stately homes to be given energy-saving makeovers

16/02/2010

Some of Britain's best-loved stately homes are to be given an eco-friendly makeover as the National Trust works to reduce carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels.

Forming part of the heritage group's newly-announced ten year environmental plan, around 50 historic properties have already been earmarked for energy-efficiency improvements, in addition to the renewable energy measures already introduced at 140 sites.

Energy saving measures such as insulation will help to reduce energy usage while solar panels and small wind turbines will help to provide the stately homes with green energy, and in some cases wood boilers will also be fitted to keep visitors warm while cutting back on carbon emissions.

The National Trust hopes that such energy-saving measures will help it achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions from energy used for heat by 45 per cent within the next ten years, compared to the government's target of a 34 per cent reduction over the same period.

According to the Trust's director general, Fiona Reynolds, such a move makes good business, as well as ethical, sense.

"By cutting our energy consumption and growing our own energy, locally, from renewable sources we will have more money to spend on the places we look after, and a more sustainable and resilient operation," she said.