The National Trust has revealed plans to become "net-zero" – generating 100 per cent of its energy needs on-site – by 2030.
The charity said it will be reducing emissions across its value chain and "significantly enhancing carbon sequestration" on the land it owns.
The strategy to offset its carbon footprint includes plans to plant 20 million trees over the next 10 years – one of the UK’s biggest woodland creation projects. The initiative will result in more than 18,000 hectares of woodland being established, removing 300,000 tonnes of carbon – equivalent to the annual emissions from 37,000 UK households.
Working with sustainability expert Carbon Intelligence, the National Trust – which owns more than 500 heritage properties – is one of the first organisations to commit to achieving net-zero without relying on the purchase of carbon offsets.
"The National Trust protects and cares for places so people and nature can thrive," said Lizzy Carlyle, head of environmental practices at the National Trust.
"But these places are under threat from climate change and responding to this threat is a top priority for the Trust.
"Our carbon target, which underlies our climate change programme, is ambitious, taking into account emissions across the entire value chain. With the support of Carbon Intelligence, we’re now working towards our ambition to be net zero by 2030 in a transparent and collaborative way.
"Our programme includes setting and achieving 1.5°C aligned science-based targets, and plans to unlock investment, drive innovation and implement best practice across our operations.
“With our 9,000 staff, 65,000 volunteers, close to 6 million members and 27 million visitors last year, we are the biggest conservation charity in Europe.
"We want all of our supporters to get involved in conserving those things that are under threat from climate change - nature, beauty and heritage, everyone can make a difference. We want to use our experience in moving to net zero to inspire others to follow suit."
As part of the strategy, the National Trust’s emissions and removals will be calculated on an annual basis according to the Green House Gas (GHG) Protocol International standards.
