A building restoration project on the Lizard is helping National Trust volunteers to reduce their environmental impact whilst continuing their work to help conserve the coastline.

Funded by two legacies and the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnerships' Sustainable Development Fund, the recently completed project is setting a benchmark for the Trusts work to reduce the environmental impact of its own operations.

The renovation of Carleon House at Poltesco was planned with environmental principles at its core; the refurbished accommodation includes high levels of insulation throughout using sheep's wool, a new underfloor heating system driven by a ground source heat pump linked to three 55 metre deep bore holes, and a solar panel for water heating. Rainwater is collected from the roof and is used to flush toilets, all light bulbs and appliances are energy efficient and natural paints and floor finishes have been used for decoration.

Rachel Holder, local National Trust Warden for South Lizard said: "The project shows that historic buildings can be sensitively refurbished using sustainable technologies that help the Trust rise to the challenges of climate change. Much of our work on the Lizard is within the Cornwall AONB so their support for this project really helps us continue to protect its special qualities and we are very grateful for their help."

Full time volunteers play a crucial role in all aspects of the Trust's conservation work on the Lizard Peninsula. Volunteering provides practical opportunities to help the Trust to protect nationally important landscapes and wildlife habitats, whilst in return providing volunteers with valuable experience and training in conservation skills.

Colette Holden, Cornwall AONB Officer said: "The partnership were delighted to support this initiative from the National Trust, who have sensitively renovated Carleon House, making it fit for purpose, whilst retaining its character. The project is a best practice example of how renewable energy and energy efficiency measures can be successfully achieved in buildings within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, without impacting upon the protected landscape."

Alison Newman, a full time volunteer for the Trust on the Lizard, is delighted by what has happened. "It's great to see the Trust using renewable energy and investing so much in its volunteers. We are and about all year round, working in all weathers so having a well insulated and warm base to come back to makes a real difference," she said.

Carleon House at Poltesco has housed Trust volunteers working on the Lizard since 1992. In that period over 100 full time volunteers have stayed there, with more than 70% going on to secure jobs in the environmental sector, and around 15% with the Trust itself. On average volunteers stay between nine and 12 months.