The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has partnered with green energy company Ecotricity to source more than half its annual electricity needs from wind power.
Work begins today to install a new 100-metre wind turbine at the charity's headquarters in Bedfordshire. The turbine, which will be up and running in the next fortnight, is expected to deliver 1.85 million kWh per annum - more than half the charity's annual electricity consumption.
The RSPB estimates that with this single turbine, the charity will reduce its annual carbon emissions by 800 tonnes.
Martin Harper, RSPB's director of conservation, said he could already see the disruption climate change is bringing to birds and wildlife across the UK. "It is down to everyone to play their part. In the UK, we have the potential to generate a significant portion, if not all, of our electricity from sustainable sources," he said in a statement.
"This will take time and it will take investment. So I am proud to say the RSPB continues to back words with actions to show we are serious about tackling the threat of climate change with our biggest single renewable energy project yet."
Ecotricity is responsible for financing and installing the turbine as part of the green energy partnership. The energy company has established similar partnerships with supermarket giant Sainsbury's, car maker Ford and DIY retailer B&Q.
The turbine forms part of RSPB's ongoing efforts to cut emissions and reduce its environmental impact. The charity has set itself emissions reductions targets in line with those enshrined in the Climate Change Act - namely 80 per cent emissions reduction by 2050.
As part of its drive to meet this target, RSPB has invested in energy efficiency, rooftop solar, solar thermal collectors, ground source heat pumps and biomass generators.
The site of the turbine was investigated for three years by Ecotricity and the RSPB in order to ensure minimal risk to wildlife. "Using wind energy is a proven and reliable technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. But turbines must be located where they are sympathetic to our natural environment," Harper added.
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