A practical path to “net zero carbon” for our churches These recommendations aim to help churches reduce their energy use and associated carbon emissions. They are based on the findings of our church energy audit programme and input from of a range of professionals in the field. NOTE: Many of the suggestions below require faculty; please seek input early on. If the church interior is of historic, artistic, architectural or artistic interest, seek professional & DAC advice first, before making changes; stabilising the environment for these interiors is important to minimise cycles of treatment, with their inherent carbon cost.
A. Where These are actions that nearly all churches can benefit from, even low occupancy do we start? churches used only on a Sunday. They are relatively easy, with relatively fast pay back. They are a good place for churches to start, when trying to move towards ‘net zero’. The building itself: A1. Maintain the roof and gutters, to prevent damp entering the building and warm air escaping. A2. Fix any broken window panes* and make sure opening windows shut tightly, to reduce heat loss. A3. Insulate around heating pipes to direct heat where you want it; this may allow other sources of heat to be reduced in this area. A4. If draughts from doors are problematic, draught-proof the gaps* or put up a door-curtain*. A5. Consider using rugs/floor-coverings (with breathable backings) and cushions on/around the pews/chairs. Heating and lighting: A6. Switch to 100% renewable electricity, for example through Parish Buying’s energy basket, and “green” gas. A7. Match heating settings better to usage, so you only run the heating when necessary*. A8. If you have water-filled radiators, try turning-off the heating 15 minutes before the service ends; for most churches this allows the heating system to continue to radiate residual warmth*. A9. If you have radiators, add a glycol based “anti-freeze” to your radiator system and review your frost setting. A10. Replace lightbulbs with LEDs, where simple replacement is possible. A11. Replace floodlights with new LED units. A12. If you have internet connection, install a HIVE- or NEST-type heating controller, to better control heating. A13. If your current appliances fail, then replace with A+++ appliances. People and policies: A14. Complete the Energy Footprint Tool each year, as part of your Parish Return, & communicate the results. A15. Create an Energy Champion who monitors bills and encourages people to turn things off when not needed. A16. Write an energy efficiency procurement policy; commit to renewable electricity & A+++ rated appliances. A17. Consider moving PCC meetings elsewhere during cold months, rather than running the church heating. Offset the rest: A18. For most low usage “Sunday” churches, once they have taken steps like these, their remaining nonrenewable energy use will be very small. For the majority, all they need to do now to be “net zero” is offset the small remaining amount of energy through Climate Stewards or other reputable schemes. A19. Also, think about your church grounds. Is there an area where you could let vegetation or a tree grow?
B. Where do we go next?
These are actions with a reasonably fast pay back for a church with medium energy usage, used a few times a week. Perhaps half of churches should consider them. Most actions cost more than the ones above, and/or require more time and thought. Some require some specialist advice and/or installers. They are often good next steps for those churches with the time and resources to move on further towards ‘net zero’.
The building itself: B1. If you have an uninsulated, easy-to-access roof void, consult with your QI about insulating the loft*. B2. If you have problematic draughts from your door, and a door curtain wouldn’t work, consult with your QI about installing a glazed door within your porch, or even a draught-lobby*. B3. Consider creating one or more smaller (separately heatable) spaces for smaller events. B4. Consider fabric wall-hangings or panels, with an air gap behind, as a barrier between people and cold walls. Heating and lighting: B5. Learn how your building heats/cools and the link to comfort, by using data loggers (with good guidance). B6. Improve your heating zones and controls, so you only warm the areas you are using. B7. Install TRVs on radiators in meeting rooms & offices, to allow you to control them individually.