Renewable energy
We are looking critically at how to make the running and maintenance of our buildings more environmentally sustainable.
We have changed the energy supply to the vast majority of our properties to renewables and are focusing on improving their warmth and energy efficiency as part of our rolling maintenance programme. This includes installing low-carbon heating systems and draught proofing.
We are working to ensure all new Landmarks have sustainable heating systems, with no new oil and gas - maximising use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources. Meanwhile, we are undertaking audits of all our fossil-fuel powered heating systems, identifying suitable alternatives for implementation as they expire.
We also conduct regular energy audits to identify areas for improvement. For example, at The Station Agent’s House we used lime plaster which has small pieces of cork added to improve its thermal properties. And all of the heating and hot water for Rosslyn Castle is now provided by six air source heat pumps located within its 1580s historic vaults, removing the need for traditional fossil fuel supplies such as oil or gas. The engineers believe it is the world’s oldest building to have adopted air source heat pumps as a sustainable, low carbon technology.
We aim to use other renewable energy sources where we can. We are installing photovoltaic cells and tiles on our sites, including a small array near Fairburn Tower and solar tiles on internal slopes at Belmont and Calverley Old Hall.
Our Big 10
Our biggest area of emission comes from heating our buildings, especially when using fossil fuels, so we are currently in the process of converting 10 of the biggest emitters to renewables by 2030. This involves measured digital surveys, mechanical and electrical condition surveys, heat loss assessments, system design and thermal improvements to ensure the most effective solution is installed. Five years ago we identified the following buildings as in need of conversion:
Wortham Manor
Status: Complete
This medieval and Tudor manor house in Devon undertook a programme of major improvements in 2024 to improve the guest experience and convert the building to renewable energy. The failing underfloor heating and hot water provision was replaced by ground source heating drawn from one thousand metres of boreholes, with new cast iron radiators forming the new sustainable hot water and heating system. Draughtproofing was improved by upgrading old doors, fitting chimney sheep, and repointing walls. Read more about the improvements in this 2024 blog post by surveyor Graham.
Saddell Castle
Status: Complete
Saddell Castle was originally restored by Landmark in the 1970s. In 2024-5, we completely re-roofed and re-harled the building, and carried out flood alleviation works. Inside, the castle was once again completely rewired, replumbed and refurbished. It was given a new heating system and its thermal performance was improved.
Tixall Gatehouse
Status: In progress
We are switching this spectacular Elizabethan gatehouse to ground source energy (thanks to five 170m deep boreholes) and installing underfloor heating. We're also enhancing draughtproofing and insulation throughout, so this once draughty 450-year-old stronghold will stay cosy and warm in winter, and cool in summer.
Lower Porthmeor: The Captain's House, The Farmhouse and Arra Venton
Status: In progress
Our three properties at Lower Porthmeor are currently closed for major repairs and upgrades to enhance their comfort and sustainability. This includes the installation of a ground source heating system to heat The Farmhouse and Captain’s House, and supply hot water to The Farmhouse. Electrical supply upgrades are being made at Lower Porthmeor to enable the installation of this new heating plant. At Arra Venton across the road, there will be a standalone ground source heating and hot water system.
'Big 10' Landmarks still to convert:
Landmark has 50 properties with fossil fuel boilers. As we incorporate the learning from these first conversions and experienced contractors increase in number, it is anticipated that these projects will be completed more quickly over the remaining years to achieve a significant move towards net zero.
How you can help when you stay in a Landmark
Landmark’s guests can play a role in minimising our environmental footprint, for instance by following the recycling guidance provided in each property or choosing a Landmark served by public transport. We want you to enjoy a comfortable stay, but also to consider energy usage as you might at home. Switching off appliances, closing doors and windows and turning heating down or off if it isn’t needed can all make a real difference.
How you can help now
Donate to our Greener Landmark Fund, dedicated to helping fulfil Landmark's commitment to adapt to climate change, such as adding electric vehicle charge points at our properties, installing air and ground source heat pumps, using solar panels and triple glazed windows, planting trees, paying for waste re-cycling services and protecting wildlife.
