Green Tourism and the Mount Stewart

By 2020 the National Trust in Northern Ireland is aiming to reduce our overall energy demand by 20%, and to meet 50% of our energy requirements for heat and electricity from renewable sources, based on our 2009 consumption. This will be achieved by being more energy efficient in all of our buildings and operations.  


The National Trust recognises that it must promote the protection of the environment.  In particular, we as an organisation, strive to prevent avoidable damage caused by human impact on the environment.  Becoming involved with the Green Tourism initiative will allow Mount Stewart to protect the Trust’s long-term interests from environmental damage and ensure that, to the best of our ability, we are seen as an exemplar of good environmental practice.

A range of initiatives already implemented include the appointment of a Green Champion at Mount Stewart, training staff, switch–off campaigns, installing movement sensors on lighting, timers on immersions, installation of chimney balloons, improved insulation in boiler houses and draught-proofing windows and doors. At Mount Stewart we have also installed a biomass boiler and a rainwater harvesting system.

Being part of the Green Tourism initiative demonstrates our commitment to the National Trust’s long term interests.  Green issues are not the main reason that many of our tourists choose to use our facilities (price, location, convenience, climate are key here) however, they are becoming more and more important for a growing number of our visitors.  We feel that working in partnership with other Green Tourism accredited businesses and organisations that we will increase our market share, increase value of offer for our visitors and gain a competitive advantage.

Susan Roberts
Visitor Services Manager
Mount Stewart