St Aubyn Estates develop new CSR and sustainability policies

Estate management enterprise St Aubyn Estates developed clearly defined corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability policies by working with the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).

These policies enabled St Aubyn Estates to demonstrate their green credentials to partners and customers, as well as keep better track of its energy use.

Knowledge Exchange Manager Dr Jodie West developed a research programme with the University’s Placements Coordinator Josie Turner, who arranged a placement for research student Jessica Whiting.

Reporting

Jessica worked on compiling detailed reports on which to base the new policies. Amongst other factors, her report examined:

• The feasibility of using renewable energy sources.
  Planning regulations affecting each of St Aubyn Estates’ sites.
  Current energy usage and ways to reduce it.

St Aubyn Estates Chief Executive Officer Rob Abernethy said: “The placement was a complete success. It really did pinpoint the requirements very early on then deliver the answer shortly afterwards.”

Targets

Carbon emission targets set are now in line with existing targets for the National Trust, the UK government and the European Commission.

St Aubyn Estates manages 5,000 acres of land across Cornwall, with a diverse portfolio of businesses that includes land and property management, tourism and hospitality and building and farming.