Net Carbon Negative Ambition

Challenge

• Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared a climate emergency in 2019.

• Set a target to become net carbon negative by 2027.

• Needed a full understanding of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, covering:
  • Energy use (buildings & fleet)
  • Visitor and business transport
  • Food & drink, retail, and procurement
  • Waste and water

• Required a credible net zero roadmap and ecological strategy aligned with both operations and its 1 million annual visitors.

Our Approach

• Pilio has supported Blenheim for over five years by:

  • Calculating full Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions across estate operations.

  • Developing a net-zero roadmap including renewable energy generation and nature restoration.

  • Designing a carbon offset programme for 1 million annual visitors.

  • Measuring the carbon footprint of Pye Homes (subsidiary) including embodied carbon in construction.

  • Conducting a gap analysis of ecological data to inform long-term monitoring and enhancement.

  • Working with tenant farmers using the Pilio Nature tool (prototype) to assess nature on farmland.

Results to Date

• Credible carbon baseline established across all estate activities.

• Clear roadmap to achieve net carbon negative by 2027.

• Integration of renewable energy and nature-based solutions into the estate plan.

• First steps towards visitor offsetting scheme to engage the public in climate action.

• Deeper understanding of natural capital and biodiversity monitoring needs.

Client Impact

• Independent evidence to strengthen Blenheim’s climate leadership position.

• Practical tools to engage visitors, staff, and farmers in carbon reduction.

• Integration of heritage, tourism, and ecological strategies into one sustainability plan.

• Recognition as a sector leader in heritage sustainability.

Takeaway:

Blenheim Palace demonstrates how heritage estates can combine carbon reduction, renewable energy, and nature restoration to deliver measurable climate impact and engage millions of visitors in the journey to net zero.