Member Article

National Trust switches to biomass at Wallington Hall

Wallington Hall estate in Northumberland, a historic mansion house and gardens dating back to the 17th century is set to be heated by the latest green technology.

Following a competitive tender process, North East-based biomass specialist, re:heat has been appointed to remove the estate’s inefficient oil fired boilers and install a cost-effective renewable fuelled heating and hot water system.

Owner the National Trust have appointed re:heat to deliver the project as part of its environmental commitment to substantially reduce carbon emissions at its properties by switching to more renewable energy sources and deliver 50 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2020.

The complex project will see the installation of two 130kw wood pellet fired biomass boilers which will deliver heat and hot water to the main hall, estate cottages, offices, gift shop and café.

This is the second time the National Trust has appointed re:heat to install renewable heating technology and oversee the removal of oil from one of its sites.

In August this year the re:heat team installed two wood pellet fired biomass boilers at Nunnington Hall, near York. Ben Tansey, re:heat director, said: “We are delighted to be working with the National Trust again. They are a prestigious client and Wallington is a sensitive site, steeped in history with a high specification in order to meet its present and future needs.”

Wallington Hall was originally built by Sir William Blackett around the core of an earlier medieval house and pele tower. Blackett was a wealthy shipping magnate and mine owner from Newcastle, and he intended Wallington to be a country retreat.

In 1777 the Blackett line died out and the estate passed to the Trevelyan family, who created a magnificent walled garden, reached by sinuous paths through the woodland. Sir Walter Trevelyan was an avid plant collector and he gathered a collection of rare species from around the globe.

National Trust project manager, Adrian Fox, said: “This is a major project with multiple drivers for us and we are looking forward to working again with re:heat to deliver it. Most of the work will be done while the estate is open which means it has to be managed around visitors, staff and regular deliveries and we know re:heat can handle these challenges.

“In addition to reducing impact on the environment by removing the oil powered system, switching to biomass affords us a level of security in no longer responding to fluctuating oil prices and the money saved can be used in the continued conservation of the property.”

re:heat was founded in 2011 by Neil Harrison and Ben Tansey to assist businesses of all sizes convert from fossil fuels to sustainable, low carbon wood fuel heating systems. The firm’s team of experts can help clients with buying a boiler, designing systems, fuel supply logistics and material handling, fault-finding and problem resolution, and specialist training. Find out more at www.reheat.uk.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Round Table Solutions Ltd .