National Trust switches to brites natural wood pellet fuel

(17/05/2010)

The National Trust recently unveiled ambitious plans to reduce its use of fossil fuels across its 660 properties in the UK by 50% over the next 10 years - an initiative aimed at boosting its green credentials and reducing its carbon footprint while protecting and retaining the original character of these inspirational properties for future generations to enjoy.

The National Trust, which currently spends nearly £6m a year on electricity, oil and gas, aims to cut its carbon emissions from energy use for heat and electricity. This target will be met by reducing energy use for electricity and heating by 20% and implementing renewable energy schemes including installing more than 50 new wood fuel boilers into its mansions and larger buildings over the next five years which will be fuelled by local suppliers. The projected reduction in the use of mains electricity, gas, oil and LPG across the National Trust properties will be equivalent to removing 4,500 family cars from the road.

Manufactured by Balcas, brites are a natural wood pellet fuel, which can be used in both central heating systems, and individual room heaters. Three National Trust properties in Co. Armagh and Co. Fermanagh are enjoying the financial and environmental benefits of using locally produced brites, manufactured by Fermanagh based company Balcas, as part of a UK wide eco-renovation of a number of the National Trust’s listed buildings and properties.

brites are now being used to provide heat and hot water at 18th century properties in Enniskillen - Castle Coole House and Florence Court House – as well as Ardress House in Portadown. Balcas is also providing brites to The National Trust, North and Mid Pembrokeshire Estate Office in Ysgubor Fawr in Pembrokeshire delivered from their depot in Brentwood, England.

Tim Finlay, brites Development Officer, comments: “We are delighted to welcome the National Trust to our growing list of public sector customers who have recognised the important financial and environmental benefits to be gained from switching to brites.’’

Tim continues: “brites are a convenient, efficient and cost effective alternative to oil or gas and are currently used in over 4,000 boilers, heating and providing hot water to a wide range of domestic and commercial customers. They have also offered existing clients tremendous price security over the past three years, in what has been a hugely volatile energy market. We are confident that this switch will result in substantial savings of approximately £10,000 per year in energy costs across these three properties and will also significantly help reduce the National Trust’s carbon footprint in Northern Ireland too – off-setting in the region of 124 tonnes of CO2 and34 tonnes of carbon annually!”

Kate Noble, Environmental Practices Advisor, National Trust in Northern Ireland says: “ The National Trust realises it has a strong responsibility to carry the torch for sustainability and look after the heritage properties in our care - making long-term decisions to safeguard them and the local environment so that future generations can continue to enjoy them. Energy efficiency and generation from appropriate renewable sources is a high priority.”

Kate continues: “Switching to brites also makes good business sense as by cutting heating and energy costs and sourcing renewable energy supplies locally we hope to have more money to spend on maintaining local properties. We also have peace of mind in knowing that Castle Coole, Florence Court and Ardress House will now enjoy greater energy security and reliability of supply as they will no longer be subjected to volatile and fluctuating energy prices.”

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