When discussing the Church of England’s ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the dioceses of Hereford and Worcester may not immediately come to mind. However, these regions are now pivotal in a national scheme aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of church buildings. To gain deeper insights into this initiative, I recently conversed with Sarah Mitchell, a sustainability consultant deeply engaged in the project.
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From the moment Sarah entered the quaint café where we met, her enthusiasm was palpable. As we settled into a cosy corner, she delved into her experiences working on this transformative endeavour. “As someone passionate about environmental sustainability, I was thrilled to be approached for the Church of England’s net zero initiative,” she began. “It’s an ambitious project but essential given the current climate crisis.”
Sarah elaborated that the initiative involves conducting energy audits on church buildings, a process that is more intricate than it initially appears. “Although our focus is on the buildings, the approach is centred around people,” she explained, reflecting the views of Julian Atkins, the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme director. “We need to consider how each building is used, who uses it, and its potential future uses, as well as its structural integrity.”
The first step in this process is a comprehensive survey of each church. This involves not only assessing current energy usage and identifying areas for improvement but also understanding the unique characteristics and historical significance of each structure. “Churches are unlike other buildings,” Sarah noted. “Many are centuries old and were not designed with modern energy efficiency in mind. We have to find a balance between preserving these historic structures and making them more sustainable.”
One of the churches Sarah has been working with is St. Peter’s in Hereford. “St. Peter’s is a beautiful church with a rich history,” she said. “However, it faces significant challenges regarding energy efficiency. The heating system is outdated, and the single-glazed windows result in substantial heat loss during winter.” The energy audit for St. Peter’s recommended upgrading the heating system to a more energy-efficient model and installing secondary glazing on the windows. “These changes might seem minor, but they can significantly impact energy consumption,” Sarah explained.
A crucial component of the initiative is community engagement. “It’s not just about making the buildings more energy-efficient; it’s also about changing how people use them,” Sarah said. “We organise workshops and information sessions to educate the congregation and the wider community about energy efficiency and how they can contribute to the church’s net zero goals.” She recounted a memorable workshop in Worcester. “We had a great turnout, with people of all ages keen to learn about energy efficiency. It was heartening to see the level of interest and enthusiasm. There was even a group of teenagers who were very passionate about the environment and came up with some fantastic ideas for reducing energy consumption.”
The initiative also involves exploring alternative energy sources. “Many churches we work with are considering installing solar panels or heat pumps,” Sarah said. “These technologies can significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint. However, it’s not always straightforward. We have to navigate planning regulations and ensure that any changes are in keeping with the character of the building.”
Despite the challenges, Sarah remains optimistic about the future. “We’re making great progress, and the churches in Hereford and Worcester are really leading the way,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see their commitment to achieving net zero. And it’s not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s also about creating a more sustainable and resilient community.”
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Sarah about her ultimate aspirations for the project. “Ultimately, I hope that we can create a model for other dioceses to follow,” she said. “The Church of England has a significant role to play in addressing the climate crisis, and initiatives like this are a step in the right direction. It’s a challenging journey, but one that is essential for the future of our planet.”
Leaving the café, I felt a renewed sense of hope. The path to net zero may be long and complex, but with passionate individuals like Sarah Mitchell leading the charge, it is a journey that is not only feasible but also profoundly inspiring.
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