The Royal Bath & West Showground is now producing enough renewable energy to power 34 homes, following completion of its latest phase of development.
The showground, which is ultimately aiming to become totally carbon neutral, recently commissioned a 15kW wind turbine, which will generate 34,000kWh a year. This follows a series of other green developments, including a 50kW solar photovoltaic roof installation and two biomass boilers totalling 700kW, which have reduced on-site gas consumption by more than 30%.
“Over the lifetime of these projects we will save more than 1500t of Carbon Dioxide emissions,” says environmental consultant Matt Lomax. “But they are only one part of our green initiatives, which also include European accreditation for environmental management, a 20% reduction in water use, and recycling 75% of the waste from the showground.”
The Bath & West Society is reviewing other options for the future, including a 500kW wind turbine and an anaerobic digester, which it would showcase to farmers to demonstrate the different types of technology available. “As a charity, we are always striving to support sustainable agriculture with practical farming and diversification advice,” says chief executive Jane Guise.
“We attract 1m visitors a year and feel it’s important to lead by example. Our biggest event, the four-day Bath & West Show from 29 May to 1 June, has a specially designed Eco Zone to educate and inspire visitors with the latest innovative green products and technology.”
In fact, this year’s Eco Zone plans to be better than ever, with a drop-in advice centre, programme of expert speakers, and a display about the history of energy use in agriculture over the past 150 years, to celebrate the show’s 150th anniversary.
“In recent years, the Eco Zone has grown substantially, with a proliferation of eco trade stands,” says Dr Guise. “This year, the trade stands will be spread across the showground, with the Eco Zone itself returning to its roots of visitor engagement and advice. We want our visitors to be inspired and to take home the confidence and contacts to see their project through to completion.”
The Royal Bath & West Show will be held from 29 May to 1 June. Early bird saver tickets are available online now at www.bathandwest.com <http://www.bathandwest.com/> or by calling 0844 7765777.
Speaker programme
Topics include: Renewable Energy (solar, wind and biomass), Community Projects, Green Financing and Investment, the Green Deal, Recycling projects, local farmers and other sustainability campaigns and initiatives.
Speakers from: Bath Green Homes, Bath & West Community Energy, Greenpeace, Commercial Recycling, FareShare, Quantock Eco, Tincknell’s Green Energy, Drakes Renewables, Alpha Financials Environmental amongst others.
For more information please contact Julie Kitching on: 01749 822235
About the Royal Bath & West of England Society
The Society was founded in 1777 in Bath by a group of philanthropists led by Edmund Rack. We are a registered charity organisation (Registered Charity Number 1039397). The Society was formed with the aims of encouraging agriculture, arts, manufacture and commerce.
Our charitable activities provide:
· Agriculture, veterinary, educational and art scholarships
· Technical events and Seminars
· Practical farming advice and conferences
· Countryside Education
· Diversification advice for farmers
· Education for children
· A market place for countryside products
· Plus all the events run by the Society and the Bath & West Trading Company
As the Society approaches its 236th year it continues to deliver a wonderful mix of established traditional exhibits through to the latest energy technology and contemporary entertainment.
The entertainment and features around the 242-acre site ensure enjoyment for every member of the family and include attractions that are spectacular to watch, educational, inspirational, “hands on” or just plain fun.