World heritage site digs deep to go green in sustainable energy project

The ground source heat pumps will be fitted at the National Trust’s Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal world heritage site near Ripon in North Yorkshire to provide heating for the visitor centre on the estate.

Officials say the sustainable heating system will significantly reduce the estate’s reliance on fossil fuels following the replacement of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) boilers which are coming to the end of their useful lives.

The ground source heat pump loops will be fitted under the current overflow car park which the estate plans to develop into an additional permanent parking area for use in all weathers to help with demand for spaces at the site on busy days. The pumps work by using heat stored in the ground from the sun’s solar radiation which is processed for heating and hot water. A small LPG system will need to be installed to provide a back-up to the heat pumps and raise the water temperature required for use by staff in the restaurant kitchen.

The National Trust says it has worked with energy advisers and specialists to develop plans for the new system and hopes to have completed the project by July.

General manager Chris Fowler said: “We are really committed to reaching and exceeding our target for reduction of energy use.

“We installed ground source heat pumps at our holiday cottages on How Hill two years ago and have seen the results they can deliver – reducing energy costs and emissions.

“We’re now looking to bring the same success to the rest of the business.”

There were a record 357,000 visitors to the abbey last year.

It ranks as the third most visited site of the National Trust’s 400 properties across the country.