The upgrade to air source heat pump technology will enable the National Trust to reach its 2020 target of generating 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources.

Investing £30 million into its Renewable Energy Investment Programme, the National Trust has incorporated various renewable technologies across 40 projects to reach its ambitious targets.

To support its 10-year plan, the conservation charity recently specified the use of renewable air source heat pump technology within one of its holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire.

Elgan Roberts, project manager (Wales) for the Renewable Energy Investment (REI) Programme at the National Trust said: “When selecting renewable technology for the Little Breck holiday cottage, there were several important factors that had to be considered. For example, the technology had to be low maintenance - with minimal or zero fuel deliveries - due to the quick turnaround needed between guests.”

Little Breck is a three-bedroom bungalow built in the 1970s with views of the picturesque valley facing Amroth. Off the mains gas grid, various fuel-based systems have been used to supply the property’s heating and hot water. 

Elgan continued, “The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was an extremely important influence when selecting the Daikin Altherma High Temperature heat pump. As a charity, it’s important that our funds are utilised effectively. By investing in a technology that is RHI-eligible, we receive regular Government funding for selecting the heat pump. This means that vital funds can be used elsewhere for refurbishment and conservation.”

Ideal for older properties, the Daikin Altherma High Temperature heat pump operates at up to 80 degrees flow temperature with the seasonal and part load efficiencies, delivering approximately 3kWh of usable heat for every kWh of electricity consumed.

Iain Bevan, commercial director for Heating and Renewables at Daikin UK said: “The Daikin Altherma range of Microgeneration Scheme (MCS) accredited heat pumps is the ideal solution for aiding the National Trust to reach its 2020 targets. As we enter phase two of the scheme, which will see up to 25 properties installed with Daikin Altherma heat pumps, the energy, carbon and cost savings achieved will be significant.”