The Renewable Energy Association rewarded the trust for its 140 renewable projects which are in place on its properties. They also praised the National Trust for its commitment to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by 50% and cut its overall energy use by 20% within ten years.

Some of the energy projects include innovative photovoltaic solar slates in Cornwall and an Archimedes screw hydro turbine in North Yorkshire. The trust has also installed 24 photovoltaic panels on the roof of Dunster Castle in Somerset. Biomass boilers have also replaced oil fired boilers at 44 sites.

Most of the Trust’s renewable projects have been funded either by Npower or the Big Lottery Fund.

Chief executive of Renewable Energy Association, Gaynor Hartnell said: “The National Trust has demonstrated that heritage and renewable energy can happily co-exist”.