Royal Botanic Gardens has cut its use of fossil fuels by just over a fifth across both its sites, in Kew in London and Wakehurst, in Sussex.

The charity says the reduction is “a big step” in its aim to become climate positive by 2030 and reduce its core carbon footprint by almost a half this decade.

Action taken to cut fossil fuel includes expanding its use of solar power, installing air source heat pumps and using electric vehicles.

“It is fantastic to see what happens when climate ambition is matched by action, said the charity’s head of sustainability Rachel Purdon.

She added: “This marks a substantial step forward in our longer-term decarbonisation journey, reflecting significant investments, huge commitment from teams across the organisation, plus the impact of reductions in carbon intensity in external sectors.

“As the climate and extinction crises continue to threaten our world, we have a responsibility not only to advance world-leading science, but to demonstrate how organisations can reduce their environmental impact while helping to protect and restore nature for future generations.”

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