St James’ Church, Shirley have just replaced their 35 year old gas boilers with electric heating chandeliers and panels. Their church hall and sister church, St John’s, Tidbury Green, are already all-electric and on a green tariff, so no longer use fossil fuels to heat the buildings.
St James' church was part of the CofE Net Zero Programme’s Demonstrator Church project, which has supported over 100 churches around the country to develop and deliver projects to significantly reduce carbon emissions, which others can learn from.
A Stage 1 grant helped to work out the best solution for the congregation and building, with input from their Architect and a heating engineer in addition to the advice received from the Birmingham Diocesan Advisory Committee as they developed their Faculty. The Demonstrator team offers support, advice and encouragement, working in partnership with Ben Smith, CofE Birmingham Net Zero Carbon Project Manager.
Stage 2 grants are for implementing the plan, in St James' case the supply and installation of the heaters and the cost of removing the gas meter and supply. The cost before VAT was £50K and they have been fortunate that the Listed Places of Worship Scheme is still active and has reimbursed the VAT. Their local fundraising was matched by grants from the Demonstrator Project which is funded by the Benefact Trust and the Archbishops’ Council Net Zero Programme.
They will be evaluating this project closely and will be very glad to share their experiences with anyone looking at solutions for a cold, dark church.
This has been a big team effort with so many people contributing ideas, advice, donations, expertise and support. Thanks to you all for making the project happen.
For more information contact Kate Crocker, Deputy Warden at St James’s Church.