GreenLiving Rhug Estate leads way in carbon calculations T
he Rhug Estate in Corwen is leading the way by investing in, measuring and monitoring its carbon footprint so improvements can be made to make the entire farm business reach the Government’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As part of the transition into a carbon-neutral world, the estate has taken the first step by creating a new position: low carbon project manager. Mared Williams started in the role in February, and her first job was to calculate Rhug Organic Farm’s carbon footprint. A bespoke climate action plan will then be developed to mitigate and offset emissions across every sector of Rhug Estate’s business, including the residential properties, let farms and forestry, green energy, retail, wholesale and skincare. Mared Williams
Putting the future first
“We feel that it is crucial that we set out to create a clear roadmap,” says Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate. “Climate change is our biggest threat and we owe it to the next generation to do everything we can to mitigate its effects.” A carbon footprint is the “We owe it amount of carbon dioxide released to the next into the air. At Rhug Estate the generation to aim is to measure the carbon do everything footprint by considering all we can” greenhouse gas emissions. Net zero or carbon neutral is when you achieve a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. So while there will still be some emissions, they will be offset somewhere else through natural carbon sinks such as trees and soils.
It’s a wrap A
s part of its commitment to the environment, Rhug Sustainable meat packaging Estate has also introduced sustainable packaging for most of its organic meat products. The new cardboard meat trays can be disposed of in a standard recycling bin and also improve the shelf life of Rhug’s organic meat, giving the consumer an extra two days on the use-by date. All the animals reared on Rhug’s organic farm eat feed grown on the farm and can range freely on clover-rich pastures free of sprays and artificial fertiliser. The estate also produces its own power through solar, hydro and wind systems to ensure a minimal carbon footprint and a truly sustainable approach to agriculture.
Search is on for green leaders A
search has been launched to find “net zero heroes” as companies However, getting to net zero is not just across north Wales battle to reduce carbon emissions. The challenge has been set by the North Wales Mersey Dee Business about low-carbon Ashley Rogers (left) and Kevin Morgan energy and new green Council to inspire business and industry to join the race for a net zero carbon future. The contest was jobs but also launched with a conference and split into decarbonising our existing businesses in tourism, manufacturing, “It’s three categories; microbusiness/start-up, transport, construction and other sectors. Now we want to essential to small business, and medium/large business. identify the recognise the companies that are already leading the way towards net zero and celebrate their role as pathfinders to this goal.” Themes include Energy and Transport, positive role Manufacturing, Tourism and Hospitality, Food One of the UK’s biggest banks, NatWest, has already models” and Retail and Buildings and Construction. achieved net zero status and Kevin Morgan, its senior Ashley Rogers, the council’s commercial director of Wales business banking, is scheduled to speak at the Net Zero 2021 conference. He says: “It’s essential that we director, says that climate change “presents a real challenge to how we have done things for so long but also provides real opportunities. Here identify the pioneers already championing the region’s transition towards a zero-carbon economy – the positive role models that can we have the capability to harness wind, solar and tidal power as well as developing major plans around hydrogen and a nuclear skills base. generate a significant impact within their local communities.” July/August 2021 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 83
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