The British monarchy steps up efforts to go green with solar panels on palaces and biofuel-powered Bentleys

King Charles III was a champion of environmental causes long before he ascended to the British throne. And, fittingly, in the first full year of his reign, the British monarchy introduced a slew of measures to tackle its rising carbon emissions.

King Charles III was a champion of environmental causes long before he ascended to the British throne. And, fittingly, in the first full year of his reign, the British monarchy introduced a slew of measures to tackle its rising carbon emissions. According to the Royal Household’s latest accounts, published Wednesday, work has started on refurbishing the gas-powered lanterns at Buckingham Palace so they run on electricity, while Windsor Castle — where Prince Harry and Meghan wed in 2018 — has had solar panels fitted on its roof for the first time. The King’s two Bentleys will also be modified within the next year to run on biofuel, according to Britain’s PA Media. The Royal Household aims to transition to an “almost fully electric” fleet of vehicles eventually, the accounts said, without providing a target date. Whether biofuels used for vehicles reduce carbon emissions is contentious and depends on many factors, including their source. Some studies show that growing crops for fuel can emit more carbon than running a car on gasoline. According to the accounts, which cover the financial year ending March 31, the Royal Household will also partly use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for two new helicopters. The helicopters will allow the royal family to carry out their engagements in “remote regions of the UK that are not otherwise readily served” by other forms of transport. SAF has a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels because it’s made from waste products, where the carbon has already been emitted, or from plants that absorb carbon dioxide as they grow.