National Trust pledges to cut CO2 output and improve air quality

The National Trust has unveiled its latest environmentally friendly scheme.

In a bid to reduce its use of fossil fuels by 50 per cent over the next decade, the organisation is planning to install a number of renewable energy solutions to its properties around the UK.

According to the heritage body, the move will reduce its carbon dioxide output by 45 per cent by 2020.

The trust has already installed a number of renewable energy projects at more than 140 of its sites around England, Wales and Ireland, including solar panels and wind turbines to generate power.

Wood-burning boilers are to be installed at many of its mansions and buildings, which will use local and sustainable sources for their fuel.

Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, commented that the lack of a global consensus on climate change "should not delay us from delivering practical solutions on the ground".

It is estimated that the shift towards renewable energy micro-generation systems could help to significantly reduce the organisation's fuel bill, which currently stands at approximately £6 million across its sites, which number more than 350.

The charity draws in millions of visitors each year to both its pay-for-entry properties and open-air attractions.

Posted by Lauren Steadman