Team Lincolnshire Ambassador Helps Lincoln Castle Work Towards Becoming the UK’s First Net Zero Heritage Building

Published: 4th May 2021

Lincoln castle

Built almost 1000 years ago by William the Conqueror, Lincoln Castle has witnessed some of the most dramatic events in English history.

After William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, he faced continuing resistance and ordered the construction of a castle at Lincoln as part of his strategy to control the rebellious north of the kingdom. 1000 years on it stands as magnificent as ever in the heart of the city, attracting visitors far and wide.

This much loved historical jewel now has a new ambition; to become the first ‘Net-Zero’ heritage building in the UK. This fantastic project is being taken forward by the dynamic team at Lincoln Castle and fellow Team Lincolnshire ambassadors Delta Simons.

Kimberley Vickers Castle Manager explains the reasons why this much loved heritage attraction is undertaking this pertinent and ambitious journey;

“Covid-19 gave the team at the Castle an opportunity to reflect and realign what we do by actively listening to our visitors. One of the biggest projects that we are currently delivering is focussing on sustainability at our biggest site, Lincoln Castle. Working in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council’s Sustainability Team, we have been exploring themes around sustainable tourism. Our aspiration is to address carbon emissions and the sustainability profile of the site. We also wanted to ensure that we took the opportunity to incorporate circular economy principles and some of the leading concepts from the #buildbackbetter movement into consideration. 

“We want to embed sustainability throughout all aspects of what we do – supporting and protecting our community, economy and environment in a meaningful way. Our museum spaces are already highlighting these key messages in headline exhibitions including the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Luke Jerram's Gaia installation.

“Working with Delta Simons, we are aiming to understand the current carbon footprint information for the castle's energy consumption and the impacts of our supply chain. We will then explore suggestions for carbon emissions reductions projects that incorporate behaviours, how the site is used and circular economy principles, alongside some building improvements that we may not have already considered.”

Kimberly’s aim is to engage and motivate staff and volunteers to be ambassadors of new ways of working and to embody sustainability behaviours throughout their working practices.  This presents an exciting opportunity to lead on innovative work within a heritage venue. The Low Carbon Lincoln Castle Project is also a key pilot project that is particularly relevant to the organisation's Green Masterplan.

Dan Ellis Principal EHS & Sustainability Consultant adds:

“Achieving Net-Zero is arguably the biggest challenge facing us all. But it is especially challenging for historical and listed buildings to adapt to climate change whilst also preserving their beauty and charm. Whilst it is not easy to transform our much-loved heritage assets to be low-carbon, it is not impossible - and with a little ingenuity we can create sympathetic solutions.

“Delta-Simons is proud to be working with Lincoln Castle to identify opportunities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve reuse and recycling, increase sustainable travel options and enhance supply chain sustainability. Lincoln Castle has stood tall over many centuries and it’s great to see it leading the way through this new ‘Net-Zero’ era and showing what can be achieved for sustainable historical buildings.”