One of our Ripon area churches has made significant progress towards becoming net zero, and are looking to share what they have learned with their local community.
St James’ Wetherby have recently taken part in Give to Go Green, a scheme that provides match funding to support carbon-cutting projects, and supports churches in fundraising during a six-week targeted digital campaign.
In memory of Professor David York, a Lay Reader who had been part of St James’ original Net Zero team, the people of Wetherby more than matched a Give to Go Green grant.
This, along with grants from Awards for All, Garfield Weston and the Benefact Trust, enabled the church to put solar panels on their Church Hall roof, convert their hot water heating from gas, install destratification fans and more.
Destratification fans work by pushing surplus heat from the ceilings to the place where people want warmth.
The Revd Matthew Peat, Vicar at the church, said: “The fans are estimated to save up to 25% of our heating costs.
“We want to do more, like insulation and heat pumps.
“The challenge will be raising further funds.
“The transition to a net zero society will inevitably take place over the next few decades, and it is important everybody understands the solutions available.
“At the heart of the Wetherby community, St James is showing people the way to net zero.”
This work comes after the church installed draughtproofing and LED lighting following advice from our Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and the Church Buildings Council, paid for through a small Diocesan grant and the church’s own reserve funds.
St James’ are holding an Eco-Energy Fair at their Church Centre on Saturday, November 8 to share their learning, when Brenda Ainsley from the Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project will be speaking, along with much more.