Sustainability strategy
Being a charity for everyone means acting not just for those who currently experience our sites but also for those in future generations. This means responding to our impact on both climate change and nature loss and ensuring our buildings, collections and staff are resilient to the changes already upon us.
Historic Royal Palaces will achieve nature positive, carbon net zero by 2050 and our 2024-2027 Action Plan sets out the foundations to achieve this, including:
reducing our energy consumption and removing fossil fuels from our sites.
understanding the health and biodiversity on our sites and acting to protect and enhance it.
reducing our water consumption and finding new ways to harvest and store rainwater.
reducing our waste and exploring viable options within a circular economy.
improving our data collection so we can measure our progress more accurately.
working in partnership with other organisations to drive change more broadly.
We are committed to being open about our sustainability performance and will publish our progress within our Annual accounts.
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Some examples of our sustainability work
Sustainable gardening at Hampton Court
At Hampton Court Palace, the Great Fountain Garden is undergoing an ambitious long-term transformation led by celebrated garden designer Ann-Marie Powell.
Two trial beds were planted in early 2026, providing a test ground for new approaches to management, pollinator and wildlife monitoring and improvements in soil carbon.
The completed scheme will eventually include 32 new planting beds featuring nearly 300 species, combining sustainable horticulture with the historic grandeur of one of the palace's most iconic landscapes.
Image: Graphic stating that 9 bat species were found across our sites; 92 bird species at Hampton Court; 97 moth species at Hampton Court; and 324 invertebrate species at the Tower of London. © Historic Royal Palaces.
Biodiversity across our palaces
Working with ecology specialists, the Ecology Co-op, we carried out detailed biodiversity surveys over the past year covering Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Findings showed 9 bat species across our sites; 92 bird species at Hampton Court Palace; 97 moth species at Hampton Court Palace; and 324 invertebrate species at the Tower of London.
This work gives us a much stronger picture of nature across our sites and will directly shape our biodiversity programme going forward.
Wildflower meadows at our sites are a great biodiversity boost, attracting pollinators and slowing rainwater runoff too. Also allowing grass to grow longer in some areas creates shelter for insects and is more resilient in times of drought.
Secondary glazing to reduce energy use
Over the past few years, we've installed heritage-approved secondary glazing across many historic buildings. Designed to improve heat retention while protecting significant windows and historic fabric.
These interventions are helping us reduce energy use without compromising conservation standards.
Climate control at Banqueting House
A new heating and cooling system was installed at Banqueting House in 2025. This uses sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, automatically adjusting to protect the paintings. On the roof, air source heat pumps now provide cooling during hotter periods.
These upgrades not only safeguard Rubens’ masterpiece but also help us move toward our ambition to be carbon net zero by 2050.
Read more on the blog
Rare and Historic Northern Irish Plant Varieties at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Northern Ireland is home to a rich variety of rare and historic plants, many of which can be found at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Gardens Manager Claire Woods explores the history behind growing these plants and the importance of conserving them for future generations.