Chatsworth Estate

The Chatsworth Estate has made clear and significant strides on their sustainability journey: the assessor saw strong evidence of leadership from the Duke’s son, Lord Burlington, and real passion, enthusiasm and pride among staff interviewed in their environmental, social and economic activities. Renewables projects such as the use of biomass-led district heat networks, ground-source heating systems, solar arrays and the hydroelectric Emperor Turbine will move the estate closer to energy self-sufficiency and its scopes 1&2 Net Zero target of 2040. Extensive educational visits are in evidence through the work of the Chatsworth House Trust. Particular projects targeted towards harder to reach groups are carefully designed to have real social impact, for example through the recent whole school takeover and the introduction of Universal Credit tickets. The passion among the hotels, retail and catering teams for high quality estate-grown and locally sourced produce results in a highly significant spend in the local economy. The upcoming Devonshire Group Impact Report demonstrates the varied and interconnecting ways in which the estate (and wider Devonshire Group) delivers social, economic and environmental benefits.