Biomass

Woodlands have been keeping us warm for millennia, and it's no different today. Over the years we've learned to use wood more efficiently, replenishing trees and protecting beauty of the natural world. Biomass boilers and our rangers' careful approach to managing woodlands help us do this.
Listen to our podcast on how biomass is transforming energy use at the places we care for, and discover how you can make your own energy use more sustainable.
We aim to produce 50 per cent of the energy we use from renewable sources by 2021, and biomass is helping us to achieve this. We run 99 biomass systems, which together generate 16,574,825 kilowatt hours (kWh) every year. And we'll be installing more biomass projects at the places we care for during the next five years. This means we'll be able to put more money towards vital conservation work to protect the countryside you love.
The podcast was made possible thanks to the support of BMW i, the brand behind the all-electric BMW i3. As our partner, BMW i is not only allowing us to expand our network of electric vehicle charging points it is also helping us achieve our renewable energy ambitions by investing in groundbreaking projects at National Trust places.
Episode 4: Biomass
Play now
Doing your bit




Heating your own home
You can use a small biomass boiler or stove to heat your home. Most boilers burn wood chip and food compost. Even if you can't burn your own compost it’s worth contacting your local garden centre in case they want to use it.
Plant-based diet
Adopting a plant-based diet will not only reduce your carbon footprint it will also create a bigger compost heap for you to use in your boiler.
Reduce your waste
Remember that around 20% to 30% of what we throw away can be composted. Try to rely on your biomass bin more than your general waste bin.
Change the way you think about waste
Don’t throw away perfectly good food, even it is close to its sell-by date. If it looks and smells fine, the chances are it is. Can you use or freeze food you would normally throw away?
Our work with BMW i
BMW i is committed to creating a more sustainable future and makes use of many of the renewable energy technologies that we do.
In the production of the all-electric BMW i3, traditional plastics have been replaced with kenaf, which is a natural fibre extracted from the Malva plant. Sustainably-sourced eucalyptus wood is used to make the dashboard, and the seats are covered in natural wool. Small changes like these add up to make a positive difference on the environment.
Our partnership with BMW i also means we can invest even more in renewable energy projects, and make travel to the places we care for more sustainable by expanding our network of electric vehicle charging points.