[dropcap type =”circle”]B[/dropcap]lenheim Palace has appointed a new Sustainability Advisor as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental issues.
Jacqueline Gibson, who has a background in energy management and sustainable construction, is introducing an Estate-wide sustainability action plan for the Oxfordshire World Heritage Site.
The new plan will look to significantly reduce Blenheim Palace’s carbon footprint and levels of various waste streams as well as conserving and reusing water from the Estate.
Among the Palace’s most ambitious stated aims is to become a net generator of renewable energy within 10 years.
“I am very excited and enthusiastic about having the opportunity to work in such an iconic and historic property,” said Jacqueline.
“Blenheim Palace has undoubtedly set itself one of the most aspirational goals of any historic palace anywhere in the world and I am looking forward to helping them meet it!
“It is so refreshing to work with an organisation where everyone; from gamekeepers and guides, to events’ organisers and top level management are committed to sustainability.
“Working with a World Heritage Site provides many challenges with integrating practices and even features into historic buildings, but it also offers huge opportunities to learn and develop new techniques and approaches which can be adopted at other similar properties in the future,” she added.
Prior to joining Blenheim Palace, Jacqueline worked with HSBC in Canary Wharf and Royal Dutch Shell in The Hague.
Her new role encompasses every aspect of the estate; including sourcing local products and working with suppliers committed to sustainable practices.
“My overall aim is to raise awareness among staff and visitors that we all have a responsibility and a vested interest in looking after our planet for future generations,” she added.
Built in the early 18th century to celebrate Britain’s victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession, Blenheim Palace is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.