Archerfield Walled Garden, the hospitality, retail and leisure destination based in East Lothian invests £50k on 200 solar panels which will save 14 tonnes in annual Co2 emissions and has also installed four EV chargers, as part of its ongoing Green Initiatives Programme.
In 2022 the company commissioned the eco-management consultancy, Green Element, to develop a bespoke programme, which is delivered by their ‘Green Team’, made up of six members of staff across all areas of the business, with a focus on making environmental changes in areas including energy, waste and training.
In addition to installing 200 solar panels, carried out by Gensource, Archerfield Walled Garden partnered with the energy specialists to install four EV chargers, following funding secured through the Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund, administered by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of Scottish Ministers and Transport Scotland.
Various other initiatives at Archerfield Walled Garden include regeneratively farming all 30 hectares of the surrounding fields to help improve soil health and increase biodiversity and running the building on biomass using locally sourced wood pellets, which provides all heating, including underfloor, and hot water.
In addition, self-closing taps have been installed in washrooms to reduce water waste, motion-sensitive lights are used indoors, external lights run on a timer that adjusts with the seasons and coffee grounds from the café are combined with garden clippings to make compost, which is then used in the gardens. All compost which is sold is also peat-free.
The ‘Green Team’ will continue to drive forward the programme this year and incorporate their plans into the proposed play trail, Eldbotle Wood. The woodland adventure, elements-themed trail has been designed by the award-winning company, CAP.CO, who received a Royal Warrant of Appointment from King Charles in 2025, in recognition of their strong commitment to sustainability.
Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited said: “Our very passionate and dedicated Green Team have made some fantastic progress in our mission be even more sustainable which will continue for the long-term across all areas of the business.
“It has been great to be able to partner with eco companies like Green Element and Gensource to help us to achieve our green goals, with even more initiatives and partnerships in the pipeline.”
Robert Wilson, Gensource commercial and operations director said: “It has been great to partner with such a local, motivated and supportive client.
“It is clear Archerfield Walled Garden is committed to operating sustainably through its investment and eagerness to develop multiple phases of sustainable energy projects.
“We look forward to supporting Archerfield Walled Garden as they continue on their sustainability journey.”
