Prince of Wales Household Carbon Report
Senior Royal Family Member Embraces Corporate Social Responsibility
Sep 12, 2009
His Royal Highness Prince Charles, has long been a supporter of environmental causes and in recent years has supported the implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives through Accounting for Sustainability and the Connected Reporting Framework.
The commitment to sustainability is supported by projects implemented within the Prince’s own household in order to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability outcomes.
Carbon Emissions Result from Travel and Energy Consumption
The Household of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s carbon emissions result from travel between residences and while on official functions and the cost of heating and lighting the Royal residences and office spaces.
2012 Emission Target Almost Reached
An aggressive target of 25% reduction in carbon emissions by the year 2012 was set in 2007. By 31 March 2009, this target has nearly been reached, with a 24% reduction in carbon emissions by the Household of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
Strategies Used to Reduce Carbon Emissions
The Household of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall used a variety of strategies to decrease carbon emissions including:
- Use of biodiesel in the Royal Locomotive and cars;
- An increase in the amount of energy supplied from renewable sources;
- Implementation of ground source and air source heaters;
- Installing energy efficient boilers; and
- Insulation improvements.
Electricity monitors have also been installed in order to observe electricity use throughout the Royal residences and office spaces.
Where possible low carbon emitting forms of transport have been used by The Household of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in order to decrease carbon emissions from travel.
Carbon Offsets and Travel
Any carbon emissions resulting from air travel for official duties, which includes state visits, has been offset through the Government Carbon Offsetting Fund.
Protecting Natural Resources
Other sustainability initiatives implemented by The Household of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall relate to reducing the use of natural resources including water and paper.
In 2009, water usage in the Royal Residences and office spaces had decreased by 40%. The decrease resulted from implementing water collection and re-use processes; rainwater and grey water are collected and reused in royal gardens.
Paper usage per staff member increased in 2008/09 year however there has been a reduction of 10 kilograms per staff member since 2007. It is believed that the increased paper usage resulted from the 60th birthday of His Royal Highness Prince Charles.
The Household of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall has embraced the concept of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Efforts have been made to reduce travel and energy related carbon emissions and to preserve natural resources. A target for 25% reduction in carbon emissions by 2012 has nearly been reached with a 24% reduction in carbon emissions by 31 March 2009.
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