Conserving Our Heritage for a Sustainable Future

A well-lit, empty room with two windows, a wooden floor and a radiator.

The Trust sees being eco-friendly, environmentally conscious and responsible as one of its guiding principles in supporting Cornwall to become carbon neutral by 2030. We have adopted an Environmental Policy and Action Plan and are working towards Carbon Literacy accreditation. Our mission to preserve and repurpose historic buildings is intrinsically sustainable because the energy required for their construction has already been utilised.

A key project in Cornwall Buildings Preservation Trust’s work is Old Duchy Palace in Lostwithiel. Dating back to 1292, Old Duchy Palace was the administrative headquarters of the Duchy of Cornwall estate and is an important building in Cornwall’s history.  However, by late 2007, when the Trust first became involved, it was vacant and on Historic England’s national at risk register. In partnership with The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, restoration began in 2008, and the building was transformed from a disused Masonic Hall into high quality business space.

The work carried out by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust achieved the BREEAM very good standard. BREEAM is an internationally recognised Environmental Assessment Method, designed by the UK’s Building Research Establishment. In repurposing Old Duchy Palace, eco-friendly techniques were used to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the building, whilst maintaining and respecting its historic features. For example, sheep’s wool and recycled fibre insulation was used in the roof spaces, new LED lighting and a zoned heating system. This ensured the building was energy efficient and fit for its new use. Local slate was used to repair the roof, and lime mortar for repointing, which allows the stonework to ‘breathe’, reducing long term erosion and the need for stone replacement.

In 2023, the Trust was awarded grants from Cornwall’s Good Growth programme and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new project – A Low Carbon Future for Duchy Palace. This is designed to sensitively adapt Old Duchy Palace for the future. The funding will be used to make Old Duchy Palace more resilient to extreme weather, and to further reduce its carbon footprint. Existing flood defences will be redesigned and the exposed south-west facing party wall to the former Great Hall will be securely capped in lead. The Trust will also improve ventilation in the building, and replace the existing gas fired boiler with a more energy efficient heating system. To support the Cornish economy, Cornwall Buildings Preservation Trust will use local consultants and contractors, particularly those offering training and volunteering opportunities.

A Low Carbon Future for Duchy Palace will complement other work taking place across the county, as part of Cornwall’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Images (c) Purcell Architects