Clergy homes in the Diocese of Gloucester are to get upgrades to help make them more energy (carbon) efficient.
Over the next two years, 46 clergy homes will be appraised with the aim to invest in solar panels, insulation and draught proofing. Energy efficiency benchmark surveys started last year will help to identify the work needed to bring homes closer to net zero carbon.
Erica Siddall, Net Zero Carbon Project Manager, said: “The funding will reduce occupant expenses while improving comfort levels, which is part of our diocesan Net Zero Carbon Housing Strategy.”
The funds are expected to be supplemented by national Church grants specifically for clergy housing retrofit. Retrofitting means upgrading existing buildings with systems designed for high energy efficiency and low energy consumption.
Erica said: “Retrofit is a new area and the Diocese of Gloucester is learning from its neighbours on how to do this to provide maximum benefit.”
Upgrades will be based on the findings of energy benchmark surveys, which gather baseline information and assess the energy performance of a building.
Erica said: “We received a grant in 2024 to complete the energy efficiency benchmark surveys, which were communicated to occupants in June 2024. They are still in progress, and give us all the information we need to understand what is required to bring each property as close to net zero as possible.”
Erica lives in a clergy house, and she had an energy benchmark survey completed.
She said: “The assessor helped me adjust the hot water timing so that it doesn’t need to be on all the time, which is saving money. It was exciting to see him check our cavity wall for insulation, drilling a tiny hole in an external wall and using an even tinier camera to see inside. We are really lucky in the Diocese of Gloucester to have such an on-the-ball and responsive property team.
“To get the best out of our houses, we as occupants need to invest a little time in understanding how they work on a basic level. For instance, in the winter I would close or block the vents around the house to keep the draught out, not knowing that houses do need some ventilation in order to keep mould away.
“We are lucky enough to have solar panels but I never realised that running our main appliances one at a time during the sunlight hours makes the most of them.
‘”It’s great to have experts at hand, to show us which actions will give us the most bang for our buck. Investing the earmarked funds on improving the housing stock will mean more efficient homes and improved clergy well-being. Now that’s a no-brainer.
“Of course, there will always be a residual carbon footprint in any property, even after improvements, and it is up to occupants to decide whether it is possible to switch to a green tariff. This is a personal choice and not always easy logistically. But good things are worth fighting for and many people have found that switching has not dramatically increased their utility bills.”
→ Net Zero Carbon ‘Quick Wins’ grants are now available, more information is linked here.
→ Learn more about Eco Church and discover ways your worshipping community can contribute to caring for creation and building a sustainable future together.
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