Improving the energy efficiency of your building will reduce the economic and environmental impact of your building. The information below indicates some of the options available. However, it is worth remembering that in some cases it can be more efficient to retain existing systems and change how the building is used or to implement measures short of replacement. Every solution will be unique to each building, but in every case the best place to go for advice is your architect (see Architects & Quinquennials).
Before making any improvements to the energy efficiency of your building, make sure that you have the appropriate permissions (see permissions).
In addition to the information below, useful guidance can also be found here:
Energy efficiency measures | The Church of England
Energy Saving Trust
Eco Churches
Lighting
In addition to the information below, the Church Buildigns Council also has useful guidance to download. More information can also be found here: Lighting | The Church of England.
LEDs and Halogen
LED bulbs have become the default for efficient lighting systems. However, they cannot always be retro-fitted with existing installations so you may need to change your fixtures.
Timers and Sensors
If your building has regular patterns of use, you might want to install a timing device to schedule periods when the lights come on or off. This can be more efficient because it removes the possibility of accidentally leaving the lights when the building is empty or during the daytime. Timed lighting can also be a useful safety feature in deterring criminals or vandals, and to aid church users arriving or leaving outside of daylight hours.
If your building has less regular patterns of use, sensors can be a useful alternative to activate lighting when needed and automatically switch off when no longer required.
If you are using time or motion-sensor lights on the exterior of your building, make sure that you are complying with local authority rules, especially if your building is in a conservation area.
Spotlighting
If there are some areas of your building that require more illumination than others, then you may wish to consider targeting these areas with spotlights.
If you are installing spotlights to illuminate your building, make sure that you are complying with any listed building regulations and that you minimise impact on wildlife. A bat survey may be required. More guidance on floodlighting can be downloaded here.
Heating
In addition to the information below, useful guidance can also be found here: Heating | The Church of England and check our specific Heating page.
Loss Proofing
If your current heating system is in good condition, but it is not adequately impacting the temperature of the space, it might be that you are losing heat through other means. This could be due to draughts or insufficient insulation. Keeping the building wind- and watertight through regular maintenance will help the space feel warmer and reduce heat lost.
Zoning
If some areas of your building are used more than others and are sealed off from the main space, it can be useful to consider heating them separately. Smaller areas heat up more quickly and it can be easier to manage the temperature.
Timers
If your building has regular patterns of use, you might want to install a timing device to schedule periods when the heating comes on or off. This can be more efficient because it removes the possibility of accidentally leaving the heating on when the building is empty. It also means that the building can be heated in anticipation so that users do not need to wait for it to heat up after physically turning it on when they arrive.
Pipes
It is vital that the heating generated by your system makes it to the areas where is it intended instead of being lost along the way. If your heating system uses pipes, make sure that these are insulated and not leaking.
Electricity
Wiring
Old wiring can be dangerous if the casing becomes fatigued. If you find any exposed innards you should report them immediately to a suitably qualified electrician so they can be assessed and certified as safe. Even if safe, old wiring can also sometimes reduce the efficiency your electrical system by causes greater resistance.
Renewable Energy
Switching to a renewable source of electricity can have a big impact in offsetting your carbon emissions. To install renewable energy generators such as solar panels and heat pumps on site you will need permission (see Permissions). However, you can switch your energy supplier to a Green Energy provider who uses renewable energy sources.
If you are interested in switching to renewable energies, the National Church has issued the following guidance: Renewable energy | The Church of England
Electric Vehicle Charging
Electric Vehicles release fewer emissions than diesel or petrol vehicles. You may wish to encourage users of your building to transition to electric vehicles by installing charging points. Make sure that you have the correct permission before making any installations (see Permissions).
More guidance about EV charging can be downloaded here.
Guidance and Resources
The Church Heritage Record includes a map showing Parishes that use renewable energy sources introduced electric vehicle charging points. No login is required to view this information. If your church has any of these facilities, please check the map to see if they are shown or use this online form to request an addition to the map.
The Church Building Council has created an energy foot printing tool to help you work out your carbon emissions: Work out your church’s carbon footprint to help care for God’s creation | The Church of England