Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives

Carbon Footprint
The Duchy is working on various initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its operational management. On a like for like basis the footprint for 2007/08 was less than it was two year’s previously when the measure was first made. Additional projects are in-hand to reduce this further.

Office heating is a major contributor to emissions: An oil-fired heating system in the Hereford office has been replaced with a geothermal system. This alone should reduce annual emissions by about 9 tonnes. Two offices on mains gas have been comprehensively reviewed and new high efficiency systems are being installed. Feasibility studies at two further offices are underway.

The Duchy has set aside land in Somerset specifically for tree planting to offset carbon emissions. 15 acres of land have been planted for this purpose, and the trees growing there will absorb approximately 1,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide over their lives. This scheme is being independently verified by external advisers.

Working with tenants, the CLA and FWAG, the Duchy has begun to investigate the issue of GHG emissions from farming, and has commissioned a number of farm carbon footprint investigations to cover a variety of different farming conditions, including upland and lowland, organic and conventional.

As part of a comprehensive condition survey of Duchy let properties, the thermal efficiency of all dwellings and workplaces is being assessed so that an appropriate programme of works can be implemented. The historic nature of many Duchy properties will present challenges in this regard.

Travel
Various initiatives are being introduced to mitigate the effects of staff travel. The trial of a biodiesel fuel station at the Duchy office near Bath over the past year has proved successful. Over 3,000 litres of 100% biodiesel produced locally from secondary use waste vegetable oils has been used in suitable staff vehicles. This has reduced the office’s carbon footprint for travel by around 40%. Further fuel stations are being installed at three other offices.

The Duchy has leased an electric drive smart car, as part of Mercedes-Benz UK’s corporate trial of these cars. The car is run on renewable electricity and has zero emissions. It is being used for journeys on the estates surrounding Bath, and by staff for their commuting. Our experiences will help with the development of the vehicles prior to them being made available to the public.

Some staff have signed up to the Duchy’s cycle to work scheme which was introduced in 2007. This scheme is run under the terms of the Department of Transport’s project to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution.

Dartmoor Climate Change Partnership
This partnership draws together staff from the Duchy, English Nature, the Environment Agency, the National Trust and the Dartmoor National Park Authority. As part of the Park’s wider management plan, this group considers all efforts to mitigate or adapt to the effects of climate change in ways that conserve and enhance Dartmoor’s special qualities. In addition, the Duchy is part-funding a research project on upland peat bogs and their response to climate change and the bogs ability to contribute positively to carbon sequestration and water management.

Royal Bath and West of England Society
The Duchy is a major sponsor of the Eco Zone at the annual Bath and West Show. Now in its third year, the Eco Zone aims to promote all areas of sustainability and foster e a greater understanding of the issues and opportunities for farmers, rural businesses and visitors to the showground.

The Prince's May Day Network