Glenmore Lodge adds biomass to sustainability credentials

Green tourism company Glenmore Lodge has reduced its electricity consumption by almost 40% during the first half of 2013, due to the installation of a biomass 'heat cabin'.


The installation has put the company, which is located in the heart of Cairngorm National Park, on track to save up to 100 tonnes of carbon each year, with the Government’s subsidy system, the Renewable Heat Incentive, providing an estimated income of £22k per year.

Glenmore, Scotland’s national outdoor centre, installed the biomass heat cabin in late 2012 to provide heating and hot water during a redevelopment programme at the 65 year-old site.

Having already installed solar panels and Big Hanna, a composting facility for non-meat food waste in 2011, the biomass boiler is the business’s latest investment in reducing its carbon emissions.

The company’s efforts will contribute to the target set by sports development agency sportscotland, which has tasked members of its Carbon Management Group with reducing emissions by 20% by 2015.

Head of Glenmore, Bob Kinnaird, said: “Being based at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park we are reminded daily of the beauty of our surroundings and the need to preserve them for future generations.

“From the very first course 65 years ago environmental knowledge and awareness have been part of our syllabus. In more recent times this has evolved to not only just teaching environmental sustainability but demonstrating it throughout every area of our business.

“We are now at the forefront of promoting sustainability within the sector and the redevelopment of our east wing into guest accommodation presented the ideal opportunity to further our renewable credentials by switching to biomass heat. The south wing accommodation has also been connected to the boiler and there is definite scope to do the same for any future redevelopments,” added Kinnaird.

Leigh Stringer

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