Trust aims to reduce castle's CO2

Chirk Castle is to have solar panels and heating run on a wood pellet boiler

A 13th Century castle will undergo a "green" revamp to reduce its carbon emissions.

The National Trust said it plans to install solar panels at Chirk Castle, near Wrexham, and adapt its heating system to a wood pellet boiler.

The castle, the last built by Edward I that is still lived in today, will also have hemp insulation fitted.

The trust hopes to cut the castle's carbon emissions by 60% over three years and its heating bills by 50%.

Work to adapt the castle's heating system is expected to be finished by the summer.

In addition, 1,000 sq m (10,800 sq ft) of hemp insulation will be installed as a way to improve control of heat and moisture in the building.

The National Trust has consulted Carbon Trust for advice on the work at its six largest properties in Wales emitting more than 1,400 tons of CO2 each year.

These properties include castles, holiday cottages and stately homes.

'Character'

Overall, the National Trust aims to reduce carbon emissions in these building by 20% over the next three years, although the reduction in Chirk's carbon emissions is expected to be around three times that, as well as cutting the heating bill in half.

Keith Jones, environmental practice manager for the National Trust, said: "Money wasn't our main motivation for this initiative but it is definitely a positive outcome."

Further projects include a feasibility and evaluation study at Plas Newydd, the 18th Century home on Anglesey.

Mike Batt, Manager of the Carbon Trust in Wales, said: "Their properties range in age from hundreds of years old to 20th Century builds, so each project is assessed on an individual basis and methods are implemented with the character of the property in mind at all times.

"By tapping in to the expertise we have at Carbon Trust the most appropriate innovations and technologies will be used to help the National Trust reach their targets."