The Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) at Kew in London and Wakehurst in Sussex want to become climate positive by 2030.
What is the RBG’s carbon positive commitment?
The RGB has set a science-based carbon emissions reduction target. As part of a 10-year strategy, it aims to reduce emissions as rapidly as possible. The intention is to more-than-offset unavoidable emissions through investment in nature-based carbon sinks.
To achieve this the RBG will change the way it operates, using its own expertise and by working with others. It will also help to educate and inform people about sustainable choices.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site the Royal Botanic Gardens will need to take a cutting-edge approach. There’s a lot involved to manage the land, Grade 1 and 2 listed buildings and high annual visitor numbers.
So far, the RBG have introduced:
renewable energy generation from solar panels on the roof of the Millennium Seed Bank in Sussex
electric explorer vehicles at Kew
measurement methods for carbon sequestration from its trees and land
use of sustainable timber for new buildings at Kew
a net-zero-ready electric heat pump at Kew
a carbon garden to highlight the role of plants and fungi in minimising climate change.
Practical sustainability solutions
A new partnership with Schneider Electric will help the RBG team deliver its plans for London and Wakehurst. Measures already underway include reducing use of fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and improving energy use.
A new role of energy optimisation engineer will help to evaluate the impact, cost, and priority of energy efficiency, controls, and monitoring. The scheme will also identify, assess, and implement Building Management Systems (BMS) energy-saving opportunities. It will aim to improve cost effective electricity use, including battery storage and microgrid opportunities. The goal is to deliver real, measurable decarbonisation across the RBG’s sites.
Carbon positive challenges
The project brings some unique challenges. Maintaining a consistent energy supply is essential to protect the world’s largest and most diverse botanical collections. Environments must maintain exactly the right climate and conditions, some of which are in unique structures.
The materials and designs used for the familiar historic structures within the gardens have very poor energy efficiency. Improving energy performance, maintaining their unique identities and protecting the collections they house won’t be an easy task.
Work has already started to update the 19th century Palm House and Waterlily House at Kew. This involves replacing 16,500 glass panes with sealed glazing and bespoke silicone fittings to reduce heat loss. Electric air and water source heat pump systems and improved rainwater storage and irrigation will help increase resilience.
The RBG project is huge and challenging but we can all take some steps to reduce our carbon footprint.
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