Heating & Lighting Systems
Heating Systems
In many churches the heating system makes the largest contribution to the overall Carbon Footprint of the church building. Some simple, low cost measures can be taken to reduce this contribution (Path to Net Carbon Zero).
It only makes sense to consider replacing the system when the need arises. Below are some pointers to assist PCCs who need to consider installing heating systems and are wondering how to proceed, given General Synod’s commitment to Net Carbon Zero by 2030.
The DAC recommends the PCC arrange an early Site Visit with the DAC Heating Adviser. This will be an opportunity discuss options and for the PCC to receive free expert advice. Please contact the DAC Secretary, Rupert Allen, to arrange a visit.
This one-page flow chart is a helpful summary of the low carbon heating options that may be suitable for your church.
Heating Replacement Flowchart (link to PDF).
There are a programme of net zero webinars on the Church of England website, including one covering choosing the right heating system for your church ( link to webpage: Webinars on getting to net zero carbon | The Church of England).
Different types of permission are needed depending on what the PCC are proposing to do. Please see The Minor Works List at Faculties - Diocese of Leicester (anglican.org) for more information or contact the DAC Secretary.
The DAC will ask if the PCC has completed the Energy Footprint Tool (Energy Footprint Tool - Diocese of Leicester (anglican.org)) as part of their application. The DAC recommends that PCCs complete this annually as this a great way of monitoring your church building’s carbon usage and energy efficiency. It is also a requirement when applying for some NZC grants.
For any faculty or List B application, The PCC will need to provide details of the existing and proposed systems, the PCC Minute and the estimate/quotation from the proposed contractor.
For a faculty application, the PCC will also need to complete
The Church Heating Options Appraisal
These documents are intended to support the PCC in exploring a variety of types of heating, including green options, before arriving at a decision. Completing these documents demonstrates how and why the PCC have arrived at their proposed solution.
Please note, if the PCC is proposing replace the existing gas boiler with another gas boiler, the PCC will need to apply for a full faculty. This is because the legislation governing the Faculty System changed in July 2023 to be in line with General Synods commitment to Net Carbo Zero by 2030.
If the PCC are proposing a system designed to heat the building rather than the people, the DAC will also require a heat loss calculation as part of the submission. An example of a heat loss calculation can be found here.
Lighting Systems
Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is considered to be the most efficient form of modern lighting. Installing it in churches bring benefits including reduced electricity consumption, reduced cost & reduced carbon footprint. Depending on what you have now, you either need to make simple like-for-like swaps of the bulbs or you may need to change fittings and controls. Good lighting controls can help you programme the lights for different uses and also reduce energy use.
The church of England has produced a Guidance Note on Lighting schemes CCB_Lighting_guidance.pdf (churchofengland.org). LED Technology is discussed on page three.