Heat-pump energy

The lake at Blickling is a key player in the estate's approach to renewable energy

From transforming a Victorian sewage pipe into a gardening watering system to drawing out the energy beneath our feet, we're working in unusual ways to make the places in our care more sustainable.

Listen to our podcast to discover how we keep the flowers blooming in the gardens at Blickling Estate and use energy from the lake to protect some of the rarest items in our collections.

We aim to produce 50 per cent of the energy we use from renewable sources by 2021, and heat-pump energy, which uses pipes buried deep beneath the ground to extract the heat that is trapped there, is helping us to achieve this. We use this kind of energy at 83 of the places in our care, and, overall, it generates 2,076,210 of kilowatt hours a year. 

We'll be installing 20 more heat pump projects at the places we care for during the next five years, which means we'll be able to put even more money towards vital conservation work to protect the countryside you love. 

Listen to our podcast on heat pump energy

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.

The Eliot Bible, John Eliot (1604–1690)

Lake-powered books 

In this episode, Lucie Green's adventure starts with the sound of rushing water at the Blicking Estate in Norfolk. She's listening to the workings of a re-purposed Victorian hydro-sewage system, which now pumps rainwater around the irrigation systems that feed the plants and flowers in the gardens. You'll also discover how the team at Blickling captures energy from the lake to create the conditions necessary to preserve one of the nation's oldest books, the Elliot bible (1604–1690).

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Episode 3: Lake-powered books

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Heat-pump energy at the places we care for
The rotunda at croome in the sunshine

Croome, Worcestershire  

With gardens and landscapes designed by 'Capability Brown', Croome is no stranger to innovation and ingenious design. And this spirit of invention has continued in the way it uses sustainable energy today. Discover how a network of underground pipes has reduced Croome's carbon footprint.

Cable, flow and return pipes in the trench

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire  

The ground-source heat pump at Wimpole has reduced the estate's carbon emissions by 47,000 tonnes a year, saving more than £8,000 in annual fuel costs. The system uses a small amount of electricity to move the heat from the ground to Wimpole's mansion and cafe. It is then passed through a heat exchanger to heat these spaces.

A carpet of daffodils with Powis Castle in the background. National Trust, Wales

Powis Castle, Powys, Wales 

Powis Castle is now in the enviable position of generating more energy than it uses after installing a raft of renewable energy systems.The castle's restored glasshouses, which date back to before 1900, are lit by energy generated from solar panels and heated by a ground source pump.

Doing your bit

Heat-pump energy isn't feasible for many of us, but there are several things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. From tree planting to using ethical search engines, we've got lots of ideas for you to try at home. 

Visitor enjoying an autumnal walk through woodland at Ashridge, Hertfordshire
Gardener setting up a sprinkler to water summer flowers at Bodnant Garden with the Pin Mill in the background
Newly planted trees

Green searching

Use charitable search engines, which use the money they get from advertising to repopulate the world's forests.

Making your garden grow

You could rearrange the flower beds and plants in your garden to be in line with your household drain pipes. This means that surplus water from the home can be used to water plants and shrubbery.

Plant a tree

Trees are the best natural defence again greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. Petition for more trees and greenery in your local area, and get involved National Trust or other community tree planting projects.

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.

Powered entirely by four wind turbines, the production of the all-electric BMW i3 uses 50 per cent less energy than a normal car, and 70 per cent less water. The land around the plant is full of flowering meadows, trees, and shrubs, and is home to lots of plants and animals.  

There are more than 230 apple trees, harvested by the factory each September, and 780,000 bees help support the local ecosystem and supply the local community with honey.

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.