Biomass boiler boosts Exmoor National Park’s Carbon neutral commitment
Ambitious climate action at Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park Authority is proud to announce the completion of a biomass boiler at Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning, as part of its commitment to becoming carbon neutral.
The innovative project, which has been funded by a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme government grant, means the centre will be able to produce electricity from sustainable wood chips and pellets.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is delivered by Salix Finance.
And today, October 4, Salix is at Pinkery to look at the project in action and meet the stakeholders – including young park rangers.
The new boiler has replaced outdated fossil fuel systems and will supply renewable heat and hot water for the whole site, including the nearby accommodation units.
Andrea Davis, Chair of Exmoor National Park Authority and Cabinet member for Climate change in Devon, said: “This is a real boost to Exmoor National Park Authority’s carbon audit and climate adaptation strategy.
“Added to our switch to electric vehicles, installation of solar panels and wind turbine at Pinkery, this will help us to continue to provide sustainable, inspirational, and wellbeing-orientated activities.”
The project has been funded by £115,211 from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and it will deliver 605 tCO2 savings over its lifetime, which is more than 30 tCO2 per year.
Chair Andrea Davis added: “I am delighted that, with the help of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding to support our net-zero carbon commitment, we can continue the great work that happens at Pinkery, fostering a vital connection between our local landscape and generations now and into the future.”
Senior Energy and Carbon Analyst Nadim El Bakri at Salix Finance said: “Salix is delighted to support Exmoor National Park Authority and Pinkery Outdoor Learning Centre, and join them in this journey of decarbonisation.
“This project has been inspirational because it looks not only at the carbon reduction but at the wider environment and how the work impacts the whole community.
“The funding, as well as the support we offer at Salix, will mean that the park and the centre can become more eco-friendly, reduce carbon emissions and support the net zero agenda.”
The works, together with the addition to the centre’s electric vehicles, its on-site wind turbine, solar panels and increased battery provision to power equipment, it will bring Exmoor National Park Authority ever closer to its Carbon Neutral Goals.
Pinkery Outdoor Learning Centre
The centre provides educational resources to schools and other organisations that are interested in nature conservation and outdoor learning. It provides students with the opportunity to experience the unique environmental and cultural heritage of the park.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park has committed to ambitious climate action putting it on track to join the UN-backed Race to Zero initiative of global climate leaders.
The National Park will be leading immediate action across the protected landscape, halving global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050 at the latest.
Exmoor intends to become one of the first National Parks in the world to join the global initiative, which is aimed at encouraging institutions to deliver a healthier, fairer zero-carbon world.
Exmoor National Park Authority
First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has a variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.
Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment.
