AN eco-conscious garden centre has installed a new heating system in a step towards becoming carbon neutral.

As part of its sustainability drive, Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree has worked with CambridgeHOK to install three brand new air source heat pumps.

They will prevent an estimated 79 tonnes of CO² emissions a year – the equivalent to the average yearly emissions of ten people in the UK.

The pumps will produce enough heat for the underfloor heating in the main shop, the coffee shop and restaurant, and the garden shop.

They will run off mains electricity, converting every unit of electricity into three units of heating, a more energy-efficient solution than the old oil-fired boiler system.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Air Source Heat Pump at Perrywood Garden Centre, TiptreeAir Source Heat Pump at Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree

Operations director Tristan Bourne said: “We are committed to playing our part in the global fight against climate change, and this was the most effective immediate step we could take.”

The company says it is serious about tackling its carbon dioxide emissions and is aiming to reduce the business’s carbon footprint.

Examples of the initiatives include reducing the amount of peat used in the nursery, using recycled polypropylene in the pots and trays, and increasing the range of peat-free composting for the third year running.

To follow the company’s environmental mission, visit perrywood.co.uk/perrywoods-environment-credentials.