In today's climate, with increased recognition of the impact that our actions are having on the environment, planning for sustainability is important for all PCCs to consider when thinking through works in their churches. General Synod has made a commitment for the Church of England as a whole to have net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Changes to the legislation relating to faculty applications since 2022 mean that it now a requirement for PCCs to have “due regard” to national guidance on heating, lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging. Some changes (such as improvements to the energy efficiency of lighting) can be made relatively easily and cheaply. Other changes will be more of a challenge, but the DAC is doing all it can to assist and encourage PCCs to introduce changes that will be of longer-term benefit for the operation of their buildings as well as the wider environment.
DAC Guidance
The DAC has developed a Heating Toolkit and Heating Checklist to guide PCCs through the process of seeking the best sustainable heating system for their church building or hall.
Please click here to download the guidance.
Please click here to download the checklist (.PDF).
Please click here to download the checklist (.WORD).
Further guidance is also in development to help PCCs better understand the requirements for faculty applications for heating systems. This is planned for release in late 2024.
National Guidance
Certain national guidance on net zero matters must be taken into account by PCCs when developing any plans relating to certain areas of work. These include heating, lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
The guidance can be found by following the link below and scrolling or navigating to the section entitled “Faculty Amendment Rules 2022 (net-zero):
Please click here to access the guidance.
Mapping renewable energy
The Church Heritage Record is a national online system to share information about church buildings and now includes a map showing those that use renewable energy sources such as heat pumps, biomass boilers, solar panels or wind turbines. It also includes churches that have 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.