Holy Trinity Church in Stroud, initially in the top 20 carbon emitting churches in the Diocese of Gloucester has turned its carbon footprint around with an overhaul of its heating and lighting systems.
The failing gas-fuelled boiler has been ripped out and replaced with efficient, cost-effective, sustainable technology, heating people instead of the wasting energy trying to warm up the high-ceilinged building.
Under-pew convection heaters now sit directly below the congregation’s seats to keep people warm and comfortable. Insulation material in the undercroft stops draughts coming up through the floorboards.
Eight infrared panel heaters have been installed overhead below the gallery, to give an inviting and cosy atmosphere on entering the church.
LED light bulbs hang from the ceiling, and a bespoke Halo far-infrared heater which looks like a sleek contemporary chandelier, also hangs above the minister and choir at the front of the building.
Now heat is produced almost instantly at the flick of a switch, and residual heat is no longer left to heat an empty building after an event. Each feature is designed to be adaptable and can adjust depending on group size, reducing energy usage and wastage.
Jai Carr, Treasurer of PCC Holy Trinity, said: “Holy Trinity was inspired to make the changes by the Church of England’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
“Before the changes, Holy Trinity was among the top 20 carbon emitters in the Diocese of Gloucester, a disreputable fact that the PCC are more than happy to shake off. Our new and innovative all-electric arrangement has made an immediate reduction to our carbon footprint.”
The new technology has been installed over a gradual period of time. Work t0 install the technology started at the end of February and continued until the middle of April.
It was organised and executed by a collaborative effort between the local company Falconer and Gilbert Scott Architects, and 3 grant funding bodies who provided financial support. The Congregational and General Charitable Trust allocated £15,000, the Garfield Weston Foundation awarded £10,000, and The Benefact Trust granted £3,900.
Carr commented: “The people of Holy Trinity give grateful thanks to these grant funding bodies. Without their financial backing the scheme would not have been possible.
“Thanks also go out to the congregation and visitors to Holy Trinity who have continued to come to church services and concerts throughout the refurbishment, which regrettably took place over two of the colder months of the year.”
Revd James Turk, the Acting Team Rector for the Stroud Team, said: “The new heating system has greatly contributed to making the church a versatile space for future generations. This transformation extends the use of this building beyond just Sunday worship, offering a warm space for a variety of uses while significantly reducing our environmental footprint.”
Buildings Lead of the church Richard Hollick said: “The project has demonstrated how, with dedicated teamwork and planning, such a positive change can be achieved in a short space of time. I’m certain that the benefits will continue to be reaped by future generations of church members as well as our many user groups.”
The church has recently been awarded an Eco Church Bronze award in recognition of their efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
You can register your church for Eco Church here -> Why not pledge an hour a week to making your church greener.
Holy Trinity Church welcomes enquiries from other churches or groups wishing to explore environmentally friendly heating. To get in contact, visit their website by clicking here.
If this has inspired you to think about creative solutions for your church, there’s a sustainable heating demonstration at Chedworth in October. Come and explore what’s available to take your church on the next step to carbon net zero.
News Hub
