In February, Trinity Church in Cheltenham successfully completed a major sustainability project, installing 60 solar panels, battery storage, LED lighting upgrades, and cavity wall insulation in its community centre, Trinity House.
This is a fantastic example of how to effectively transition towards Net Zero Carbon, while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Leading Trinity’s sustainability project was Marion David, Operations Manager at Trinity Church, Cheltenham. She explained the process in full, and reiterated Trinity’s Mission to Care for Creation:
“Caring for Creation is a matter of discipleship. It shouldn’t be done on the side, it should be a part of who you are and how seriously we take a call to be God’s disciples.
“We are stewards of the Earth, summoned by God to ‘work it and take care of it’ (Genesis 2:15).”
Developing a Net Zero strategy
Trinity’s commitment to sustainability began over five years ago with an Eco Church survey. Around the same time, the main church roof needed replacing, which presented an opportunity to install solar panels.
Marion said: “Trinity used a Net Zero grant and additional funding for these early installations. We received an Eco Church Silver Award two years later.
“In June 2023, the diocesan Care of Churches and DAC Team chose Trinity as a venue for their annual quinquennial architects conference, with a focus on Net Zero Carbon. My team and I learnt a lot about what Net Zero Carbon means for churches in England, both at a parish level and from a governance standpoint. We also learnt a lot about how much ground work has already taken place through the Church of England’s environmental policies on Net Zero.“
After research and planning, the Trinity Operations Team presented their Net Zero strategy to their PCC. The strategy included key milestones like calculating what Trinity needs, identifying short term goals and long-term projects, and planning for future heating solutions aligned with the Church of England’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon target.
The DAC’s advisor on sustainability, Matt Fullford, provided Trinity with expert guidance and made them aware of a grant available for trusts that have a community centre. Trinity House community centre is owned and run by such a trust, with the building used by the worshipping and local communities; this made it eligible for the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Securing grants and installing Net Zero changes
Trinity’s first step was to apply for an energy efficiency report, funded through the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Marion said: “We had a full energy audit done on Trinity House, a modern building serving our worshipping community, which provided priced decarbonisation recommendations. This enabled us to apply for capital grants.”
With an approaching deadline, Trinity submitted an application in July 2024, securing £70,000 for cavity wall insulation, LED lighting upgrades with motion sensors, and solar panels for Trinity House.
The application was approved in October, and installation began in November.
“We were blessed to have on the team my colleague Dan Green, Head of Production, who has lots of experience with specialised building projects. Dan conducted a full tender process in very little time, and we ended up with some really good contractors.
“Our challenge was to meet the February deadline, which was a very tight timeline especially where some permissions were required – but the project was completed successfully by mid-February.
“We ran the project so well that we actually came under budget, which allowed us to install four solar batteries as well,” Marion said.
Benefits and future plans
The project has made big improvements for Trinity’s Carbon emissions and financial spending.
“It’s much better for the daily running of the church and its buildings. We expect to reduce our community centre’s annual energy costs from £15,000 to between £4,000-£5,000. On a sunny day, we generate up to 98% of the electricity we use.
“When the time comes to replace our community centre boilers, we will already have solar panels and batteries in place, making the transition away from gas much easier.”
An application for a small Gloucestershire County Council grant is in progress to replace gas cooking equipment with electric alternatives.
Marion’s advice to other churches
Trinity now regularly host Fabric Officers from other churches in Cheltenham who wish to view their installations and to learn about Trinity’s experience; they gain an idea about costs, required equipment, and funding strategies. Marion advises churches considering similar projects to:
- Engage with the Diocese’s Care of Churches and DAC team for guidance and resources.
- Develop a clear funding narrative that aligns with grant requirements.
- Do thorough research on technology options, costs, and timelines.
- Gain PCC support and establish a Net Zero Carbon strategy.
- Act swiftly when grants become available, as competition is increasing.
“In five years’ time, the technology out there will be even more efficient, and will decrease in price. It is very positive news for our church community who are currently looking at upgrading their building,” Marion said.
“There are some wonderful funding organisations out there to consider. However, churches need to have a sound plan of action. What enabled us to have a successful bid was our strong narrative and being very clear on the impact the project would have on our mission and our worshipping and local communities.
“Don’t be afraid to seek help from other churches who have done it. The Care of Churches and DAC Team at the diocese are really helpful.”
→ Information about Church Buildings grants and fundraising
→ Net Zero Carbon ‘Quick Wins’ grants are now available at the diocese, more information is linked here
→Everything you need to know about the new Eco Church survey
→ 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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