Having managed to almost halve carbon emissions in just two years throughout its estates in Wales, The National Trust bagged the most outstanding achievement in green energy throughout the UK at the event hosted by the Royal Geographical Society in London.
The charity says that reductions in energy use are now saving it £280,000 a year, and have cut its annual CO2 emissions by 1,700 tonnes. Over the last two years more than one hundred Trust properties in Wales have been insulated, and numerous solar, hydro and ground source heat pump power systems have been installed generating over 700MWh a year.
Sarah Butler-Sloss, Ashden founder-firector, said: “The National Trust’s work stood out for its strategic vision, its thorough approach, its expertise, and for getting everyone on board, from cleaners through to senior management.
“Most impressive of all, it has shown that if huge energy savings can be made in historic listed buildings, they can be made in any building.”
Keith Jones, National Trust Wales environmental adviser, added: “Winning the Ashden award is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the Fit For The Future energy work and approach of the National Trust in Wales.
“The charity exists to preserve cultural and natural heritage, so the money saved through greater energy efficiency and through producing our own energy from renewable sources can be channelled towards this vital work.
“The award and support from Ashden is assisting us to now look at the possibility of setting up a company to help others save energy and look at appropriate renewable technologies on older buildings.”