As custodian of more than 400 historic sites across England, English Heritage has committed to ambitious sustainability targets of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, as part of its long-term conservation strategy.

To support these objectives, the organisation has worked with Vaillant to install aroTHERM plus air source heat pump systems at eight of its most popular holiday cottage destinations, replacing legacy oil and gas boilers.

Installations have already been completed at Coastguards Cottage, a three-bedroom property on the island of Lindisfarne, and at Fort House, a two-bedroom cottage at St Mawes Castle in Cornwall. A further six properties within the English Heritage holiday cottage portfolio, including Peacock Cottage at Kirby Hall, Refectory Cottage at Rievaulx Abbey and Custodian House at Pendennis Castle, are amongst those scheduled to receive upgrades as part of this important ongoing programme.

The project demonstrates how modern heating technology can be successfully integrated into existing housing stock, helping to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining guest comfort and operational simplicity.

Simple and effective
A key consideration throughout the specification process was system usability. English Heritage required an intuitive, reliable solution that would deliver consistent heating and hot water performance without adding complexity for visitors unfamiliar with heat pump technology.

James Fowler, Marketing & Strategy Director at Vaillant, commented: “Working with English Heritage highlights how heat pump technology can play a central role in decarbonising properties. These projects at Lindisfarne and St Mawes show that with careful specification and system design, renewable heating can be integrated sensitively and effectively.

“Ease of control and reliability were critical factors. Holiday guests expect comfort without complication. The systems installed are designed to operate efficiently in the background, delivering dependable heating and hot water while helping English Heritage significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. At the same time, guests gain first-hand experience of a low carbon technology that is increasingly relevant for homes across the UK.”

Dr Paul Lankester, National Sustainability Lead at English Heritage, added: “Sustainability is a core priority for English Heritage, and reducing carbon emissions across our estate is an important part of safeguarding these special places for future generations. Partnering with Vaillant allows us to replace ageing oil and gas systems with renewable alternatives that align with our environmental commitments.

“Equally important was ensuring that our holidaymakers’ experience remains seamless. The new heat pump systems provide the comfort and reliability our guests expect, while supporting our transition towards a more sustainable future.”

The rollout forms part of English Heritage’s broader strategy to improve energy performance across its estate, demonstrating how heritage organisations can embrace renewable technology while maintaining the integrity and appeal of historic properties.

www.vaillant.co.uk

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About Vaillant
Vaillant offers its customers worldwide energy-saving heating and hot water systems that increasingly make use of renewable energies. Its product portfolio encompasses high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, and large output boilers for light commercial use as well as a range of intelligent controls, hot water cylinders, and accessories.

About English Heritage

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic monuments, buildings and sites – from world famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to Cold War bunkers. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million visitors each year. www.english-heritage.org.uk Registered charity no. 1140351