In today’s environmentally conscious era, churches have a unique opportunity to lead by example in adopting eco-friendly practices. Here are ten practical tips from Church Growth Trust’s architect, Jonny Heaney, on making your church building more environmentally friendly while easing the strain on your budget.
1 Sustainable heating solutions: When it is time to replace your traditional gas boiler, consider transitioning to more sustainable options like air source heat pumps or electric heating. Coupling these with photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage can reduce your church’s carbon footprint and lead to long-term energy bill savings.
2 Switch to renewable energy: Consider switching to a renewable energy supplier to reduce your church’s carbon emissions. Collective purchasing initiatives like Church Buying can help secure favourable rates on renewable energy.
3 Insulate your roof: Incorporating insulation into roof replacements improves energy efficiency, leading to significant savings on heating bills over time. However, it is important to check that the existing roof structure can cope with the extra weight.
4 Embrace native wildlife: Transform your church grounds into havens for native wildlife by planting native plants and erecting bird boxes and bat roosts. Installing water butts and maintaining natural boundaries like mixed hedges can further enhance the ecological value of your church grounds.
5 Efficient lighting solutions: Switching to energy-efficient lighting can be a quick way to reduce energy consumption. LED bulbs last longer and use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, consider installing motion sensors or timers to ensure lights are only on when necessary.
6 Implement water conservation measures: Simple measures, such as installing low flow taps and toilets, can significantly reduce water consumption. Additionally, consider collecting rainwater using strategically placed water butts to irrigate church gardens or maintain outdoor spaces.
7 Eco-friendly building materials: Opting for sustainable materials like recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and low-impact concrete contributes to a more environmentally conscious building. These materials not only have a lower carbon footprint but also often prove to be durable and cost-effective in the long term.
8 Invest in renewable energy technology: Integrate renewable energy technologies like solar panels into your church building. It is worth investigating the government incentives and grants that are available to make it a more financially viable option.
9 Educate and involve the congregation: Creating an environmentally friendly church involves the active participation of the congregation. Educate church members on sustainability and encourage practices like carpooling and community clean-up events to encourage environmental stewardship.
10 Conduct regular energy audits: Regular energy audits help identify areas for improvement, leading to ongoing cost savings and reduced environmental footprint. Taking a proactive approach allows you to address issues promptly and optimise the performance of your church building.
More useful information
Energy Saving Trust – An independent organisation offering free advice on becoming more energy efficient.
HMRC – Search for ‘VAT energy-saving materials relief’ to find details of VAT relief available for churches using energy saving materials.
Church Buying – Secure favourable rates on renewable energy through this collective purchasing initiative.
Ethical Property Foundation – An energy consumption survey is available for you to review the energy usage of your building.
