RSPB teams up with Ecotricity to reduce carbon footprint

The two organisations predict that the turbine will produce the equivalent of up to two thirds of the RSPB’s total UK electricity needs and, if approved, could be installed from autumn 2014 onwards, measuring 100m at its highest point.

Director of the RSPB in the East, Paul Forecast, said: “A wind turbine at our UK headquarters is the single biggest step we can take to reduce our carbon emissions, and will make a significant contribution to the RSPB’s carbon reduction targets.

“We can already see the impact that climate change is having on our countryside with saltmarsh and mudflats declining at a rate of 100 hectares per year in England. It is our responsibility to protect the rest of our environment for future generations,” he added.

Having undertaken comprehensive environmental assessments, Ecotricity and the RSPB believe that the location satisfies all planning requirements, including landscape and ecological constraints.

Ecotricity founder, Dale Vince, added: “This is a significant project for Ecotricity and the RSPB and we are very happy to have reached the stage where, after completing extensive assessments, we are ready to submit a full application.

“The proposed windmill at The Lodge would help to substantially reduce the RSPB’s carbon emissions as well as their energy costs, while remaining a good neighbour to wildlife, local residents and visitors to the area,” he added.

Leigh Stringer