Peter Jack, a fully accredited LEAF Marque farmer
Energy and carbon emission issues related to aggregate dredging have been reviewed
Flood risk module
The Environment Around Us
We believe that our stewardship role on our estates should leave a legacy for future generations and be an example to others. We aim to operate as a lean and enterprising organisation that uses resources efficiently; minimises emissions to land, air and water; curbs the production of waste and increases its recycling; and conserves and enhances those parts of the estate rich in biodiversity and architectural and historical value.
In addition to the achievement of our 2006/07 CR targets we have also the following examples of our approach in action:
- We sponsored and participated in the EU wide CALM (Carbon Accounting for Land Managers) project, co-ordinated by the County Landowners’ Association. The Windsor estate was examined and found to be carbon neutral by virtue of the amount of forestry and the management system in place
- Our housing business group, responsible for 1,400 tenants on our affordable housing estates in London, has developed an energy efficiency strategy for implementation over the coming year
- We are keen to investigate and utilise new environmental initiatives. In conjunction with Louise Crossman Architects a pair of new build, innovative, ‘green’ farm cottages have been built in Withycombe, West Somerset using recycled newspapers for insulation
- With the support of Natural England, we have commenced an initiative on the Dunster estate to enhance the protection of an endangered butterfly – the Heath Fritillary.
2006/07 Targets & Achievements
1. Urban managing agents to achieve a score of at least 75% against the foundation criteria of the environmental performance index (EPI). This sets out requirements for efficient use of natural resources, reducing emissions, curbing waste and increasing recycling.
(100% achieved) Each of the five managing agents have been successful in meeting 75% of the foundation criteria of the EPI this year. Their engagement with the EPI has proved critical in their commitment to improving their environmental management and performance.
2. Complete the measurement of energy and water use in directly managed properties with a view to setting targets for reduction in 2007/08.
(100% achieved) Our urban managing agents collated energy and water data for at least 75% of the directly managed urban portfolio, representing a significant improvement in data availability since 2005/06. In accordance with a requirement of the environmental performance index most of the managing agents have set up regular meter reading procedures and many are using energy monitoring companies which is ensuring that consistent and accurate data is supplied.
3. Achieve a 5% reduction in landlord only energy use at CrownGate shopping centre, in Worcester.
(100% achieved) Following the installation of a building management system in late 2005 there have been continuous energy savings at CrownGate shopping centre. The final energy reduction achieved over the last year was 7.1% compared with the previous year’s energy use.
4. Undertake a pilot study across all estates to investigate the opportunities for more effective carbon management and accounting within The Crown Estate's varied portfolio.
(100% achieved) Carbon management and accounting studies have been a focus for The Crown Estate over the past year. The marine estate has reviewed the energy and carbon emission issues associated with marine aggregate dredging. This has covered not just the extraction and transport of aggregate materials but also the use of them in concrete in the built environment. Across the rural portfolio, a broad assessment of the carbon contribution of the in-hand forestry estate has been undertaken. Additionally the Windsor estate was subject to the ‘Climate Change & European Countryside’ study which found the estate to be carbon neutral and recommended the enhanced production of biofuels to further combat climate change. Work has commenced with The Carbon Trust to calculate the carbon footprint of our headquarters buildings and close-managed urban buildings. The project also explores carbon production and abatement in the development and investment processes. All of this work continues into the next year and longer term carbon reduction targets are being set.
5. Complete a flood risk assessment across relevant parts of The Crown Estate using available data.
(100% achieved) The first phase of the project was to carry out a risk assessment on sites of importance to The Crown Estate around the UK coastline using a number of factors, financial as well as environmental.
Following the completion of the scoping project covering 22 sites, a pilot study of two regions was developed to assess the risk of sea level rise. Both pilots were supported by specialist sea level advice. Additional work to refine the risk calculations and to extend the study to assess another region will be carried out over the coming year.
An image from this pilot project features at the top of the page. In creating this picture, The Crown Estate has drawn on the work of Haskoning UK Ltd and Professor David Pugh OBE. The data sets used to create the maps include some provided by the Environment Agency and permission to use these derived images is gratefully acknowledged.
6. To formulate, where appropriate, site-specific action plans with particular regard to the future requirements of the Water Framework Directive.
(100% achieved) The Crown Estate is in close liaison with the relevant authorities to ensure its eventual compliance (by 2010) with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). On the rural estate, DEFRA have recommended integrated farm plans as a way of achieving the objectives of the Directive. As part of the LEAF audit (see achievement of target below) tenants will be expected to have integrated farm management plans and will thus meet the objectives of WFD. Employees in the marine estate are discussing their involvement in National Stakeholder Liaison Panels with the Environment Agency.
7. Update the environmental plans for rural estates to address enhancement of landscape, historical and cultural features and habitats.
(100% achieved) A new framework for the environmental plans has been agreed and is in the process of implementation. An “environmental ladder” has been agreed and will be introduced to tenants in the coming year. An early step on the ladder will be membership of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) with tenants taking the LEAF Audit to assess their environmental performance.
8. Meet the English Nature target to bring 95% of SSSI's (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) under The Crown Estate's own direct management in England to be in favourable condition by 2010.
(100% achieved) There has been clear progress made in meeting the target to bring 95% of directly managed SSSI's in England into favourable condition by 2010. There are a large number of directly managed SSSIs spanning the rural, Windsor and marine estates. Of those on the rural and Windsor estates 93% currently meet the target condition. Work is in progress to increase this past the target percentage. On the marine estate 75% are currently considered in favourable condition. The condition of the remainder is outside of The Crown Estate’s control due to constraints such as coastal squeeze and fisheries.