The Bader International Study Centre (Queen's University, Canada), located in Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex, invited Greg to help launch their "Green Castle Initiative".
This initiative commits the Bader International Study Centre to reducing the carbon footprint of Herstmonceux Castle while at the same time creating a teaching and learning complex on the Herstmonceux Estate where students from around the world can study sustainability, microgeneration, renewable energy, and responsible global stewardship.
Greg launched the first phase of the initiative last Wednesday by opening the operation of a 50KW solar PVC array. The solar array was installed by a local company, Ecosphere Renewables of East Hoathly, East Sussex. Their Finance Director, Mr Rob Santler, joined Greg, Mr Peter Bowers, Bursar and students of the Bader International Study Centre, for the official launch on the steps of the Castle.
The Green Deal aims to transform the energy efficiency of British businesses and homes by helping homeowners, businesses and landlords make a wide range of energy efficiency improvements to their properties. The "Green Castle Initiative" at Herstmonceux participates in the scheme, and intends in future phases to install multiple forms of renewable generation on the Estate: we expect to develop biomass, heat pump, wind and perhaps micro hydro generation technologies along with waste management techniques.
Speaking at Herstmonceux, Greg said "This is a terrific local initiative and as Energy and Climate Change Minister, it gives me great pleasure to see such a bold green energy vision being brought to life in my own 'back yard."
