After securing more than £80,000 in grant funding, St Luke’s, Maidstone, has installed a new heating system that has helped the church move away from fossil fuels and take another step towards a net zero future.
When The Revd Gareth Dickinson arrived at St Luke’s in 2020, the church’s ageing heating system struggled to keep the building warm during the winter months. It affected not only Sunday worship but also the community groups that used the church throughout the week.
As part of a wider project of building improvement works, St Luke’s became a Net Zero Carbon Programme Demonstrator Church. This meant it received a £50,000 grant from the Net Zero Programme and £36,000 from the Benefact Trust. The funding enabled the church to replace its old gas boiler with infrared chandeliers and panel heaters, which helps to heat people directly rather than the whole building. The result is a warmer, more comfortable space for worship and community activities throughout the year.
Talking about the new heating system, Gareth said: “No longer will our Christmas services require blankets, thick coats and bobble hats. The congregation and community can come as they are, take off their coats and receive a very warm welcome.”
As well as this, St Luke’s has also installed solar panels on the roof of its main hall and will expand the scheme to the church building itself. The panels already in place are helping to reduce energy costs by around 30%. The church now runs entirely on electricity and benefits from a 100% green energy tariff.
St Luke’s is just one example of how churches can take action to reduce their
carbon footprint.
Cat Jamieson, our Net Zero Carbon Programme Manager, said: “I am delighted with the way St Luke’s has embraced these low-carbon technologies, and grateful that the church is so generous with its time in sharing its learning and showcasing its heating, lighting and renewable energy systems.”
Churches interested in taking similar steps can contact the Net Zero team to find out more about the funding and support available. You can also join one of our Net Zero webinars.