Demonstrator Church
There are two stages to being a Demonstrator Church for Net Zero in the Church of England. Stage 1 is investigatory. Stage 2 is where you have a feasible project.
Our project, submitted for investigation in 2024, involves making our Worship Room Net Zero, with a commitment to move the whole building to a Net Zero with replacement of gas boilers in due course.
Our project, submitted for investigation in 2024, involves making our Worship Room Net Zero, with a commitment to move the whole building to a Net Zero with replacement of gas boilers in due course.
In 2025 we were accepted, awarded a grant and began the investigative process by obtaining quotes for the necessary work. The rest of 2025 and the start of 2026 consisted of drilling lots of holes in roofs and walls, various cameras being put into walls to look through them, and a lot of modelling and testing to find the best electrical heating and insulation required.
It hasn't been without issues. The major one is being unable to obtain accurate, regular (as in every 30 minute) energy use data for either Gas or Electric, despite having smart meters fitted. This means we cannot the energy use of the Worship room and or determine its carbon footprint. With help from the people at Demonstrator Church we are seeking solutions to this issue and, with an extension of the investigation to April 2027 we are hopeful of having a fully detailed proposal to go to stage 2 soon.
It hasn't been without issues. The major one is being unable to obtain accurate, regular (as in every 30 minute) energy use data for either Gas or Electric, despite having smart meters fitted. This means we cannot the energy use of the Worship room and or determine its carbon footprint. With help from the people at Demonstrator Church we are seeking solutions to this issue and, with an extension of the investigation to April 2027 we are hopeful of having a fully detailed proposal to go to stage 2 soon.