Renewable energy
We are looking critically at how to make the running and maintenance of our buildings more environmentally sustainable.
We have changed the energy supply to the vast majority of our properties to renewables and are focusing on improving their warmth and energy efficiency as part of our rolling maintenance programme. This includes installing low-carbon heating systems and draught proofing.
We are working to ensure all new Landmarks have sustainable heating systems, with no new oil and gas - maximising use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources. Meanwhile, we are undertaking audits of all our fossil-fuel powered heating systems, identifying suitable alternatives for implementation as they expire.
We also conduct regular energy audits to identify areas for improvement. For example, at The Station Agent’s House we used lime plaster which has small pieces of cork added to improve its thermal properties. And all of the heating and hot water for Rosslyn Castle is now provided by six air source heat pumps located within its 1580s historic vaults, removing the need for traditional fossil fuel supplies such as oil or gas. The engineers believe it is the world’s oldest building to have adopted air source heat pumps as a sustainable, low carbon technology.
We aim to use other renewable energy sources where we can. We are installing photovoltaic cells and tiles on our sites, including a small array near Fairburn Tower and solar tiles on internal slopes at Belmont and Calverley Old Hall.
Our Big 10
Our biggest area of emission comes from heating our buildings, especially when using fossil fuels, so we are working hard to convert 10 of the biggest emitters to renewables in the next 10 years. This involves measured digital surveys, mechanical and electrical condition surveys, heat loss assessments, system design and thermal improvements to ensure the most effective solution is installed. Our focus buildings in the coming years are:
- Tixall Gatehouse
- The Grange
- Wortham Manor
- Gurney Manor
- Stockwell Farm
- Saddell Castle
- Cavendish Hall
- Auchinleck House
- Lower Porthmeor: The Captain's House, The Farmhouse and Arra Venton
Landmark has 50 properties with fossil fuel boilers. As we incorporate the learning from these first conversions and experienced contractors increase in number, it is anticipated that these projects will be completed more quickly over the remaining years to achieve a significant move towards net zero.
How you can help when you stay in a Landmark
Landmark’s guests can play a role in minimising our environmental footprint, for instance by following the recycling guidance provided in each property or choosing a Landmark served by public transport. We want you to enjoy a comfortable stay, but also to consider energy usage as you might at home. Switching off appliances, closing doors and windows and turning heating down or off if it isn’t needed can all make a real difference.
How you can help now
Donate to our Greener Landmark Fund, dedicated to helping fulfil Landmark's commitment to adapt to climate change, such as adding electric vehicle charge points at our properties, installing air and ground source heat pumps, using solar panels and triple glazed windows, planting trees, paying for waste re-cycling services and protecting wildlife.
