National Trust to give Most Historic Homes in UK an Energy Saving Makeover

Some of the most loved and historical homes in all of Britain are on course to getting an eco friendly makeover. These energy saving makeovers come as the National Trust aims at reducing its fossil fuel emissions.

Right now, around 50 historic homes and properties are set for energy efficiency improvements. This will just add to the renewable energy measures that have already been introduced at more than 140 sites.

Many different things will be installed on these properties to help cut carbon emissions. Things like solar panels and small wind turbines will be put up to help produce energy. In some cases, wood boilers will also be fitted to keep visitors warm while cutting back on carbon emissions.

The National Trust says that it hopes that such energy saving measures will help it achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions from energy use for heat and electricity. The main goal for the National Trust was to reduce carbon emissions by 45 percent within the next ten years. This is being compared to the government’s target of 34 percent over the same time span.

According to Fiona Reynolds, who is the National Trust’s director general, said that such a move makes good business sense. However, it makes good ethical sense as well. By cutting energy consumption at these historical properties and growing their own energy from renewable sources, they will have more money to spend on the places they are looking after.

The National Trust has already enjoyed a 20 percent rise in visitor numbers to its properties over the course of 2010. A lot of this has to do with the fact that many Brits are still looking for holidays that do not take them too far away from home.