Sustainable buildings
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Across our four Gardens, we are committed to designing, restoring, and operating buildings in ways that reduce environmental impact and support biodiversity.
From renewable energy systems to traditional construction techniques, each project reflects our long‑term commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship.
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Botanic Cottage
Originally built in 1766, the Botanic Cottage now stands at the heart of the Edinburgh Garden as a centre for learning and community engagement. Its reconstruction combined traditional building techniques with modern sustainability principles:
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the original stone was carefully dismantled and reused
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recycled timber was incorporated into the floors
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solar PV panels were added to provide light and heating
The result is a building that honours its heritage while supporting low‑carbon operations.
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Dawyck Visitor Centre
Opened in 2008, the Dawyck Visitor Centre was designed with sustainability at its core. The building is heated by a biomass boiler and features a green living roof that provides insulation, absorbs rainwater, and creates valuable habitat for wildlife.
As an information centre, shop, and café, it demonstrates how visitor facilities can be both welcoming and environmentally responsible.
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Logan Cottage
At Logan Botanic Garden, one of the estate cottages is fitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. In 2016, these panels generated around 4,000 kWh of renewable electricity, which was fed back into the national grid. This small‑scale installation highlights how even historic or remote buildings can contribute to clean energy generation.