Sustainability on our sites

Our drive towards more sustainable environmental management seeks to promote more effective and efficient working and ensure that the institute not only complies with all relevant legislation, but is continually implementing new initiatives to minimise energy use and waste. Staff are an integral part of our approach and are encouraged to raise awareness of environmental issues and suggest improvements. Rigourous environmental targets are set and monitored by Rothamsted's cross-site sustainbility committee.

SOLAR PANELS

To reduce the institute’s use of fossil fuels, solar panels have been installed at the Harpenden campus that have generated 38.5MW of electricity in the period July 2014 to May 2016. The solar panels on this building also provide shading in the summer, reducing the demand for electricity to power air conditioning.

LED LIGHTING

Luminaires are required in glasshouses to provide plants with the optimal light regime for photosynthesis, growth and development. LED lighting has been trialled in our glasshouses to evaluate whether their lower energy consumption and reduced cooling costs can be exploited. LED lights have been introduced too for area lighting on the Harpenden campus.

SUSTAINABLE DRAIN SYSTEM (SUDS)

At North Wyke Research a sustainable drain system consisting of a series of ponds and swales have been installed to convert the dirty runoff from farmyards to clean water. The swales provide habitat for many insect and bird species. Formerly, the runoff was collected in large tanks that were pumped out to be spread on the grasslands, which entailed use of tractors, diesel and man power and could cause soil compaction. The SuDS reduces this activity considerably so that only a small collection tank is required.