An update from the Revd Tim Mayfield, Bishop's Advisor on the Environment
Solar panels… electrified heating systems… improved insulation… protecting our biodiversity… there’s a gathering momentum at parish level which is proving infectious.
Earlier this year Berwick Holy Trinity started generating using its new solar panels. They were famously blessed by Bishop Mark. Thorneyburn St Aidan plans to install solar panels, hopefully in 2025. St Aidan’s has been involved in the Rural Community Energy Fund Solar Buildings project, and has full PCC approval.
North Sunderland St Paul have been on quite a journey with their solar panels. First there was approval from Northumberland County Council… then this was withdrawn… and finally it was reinstated towards the end of October. St Paul’s is in dialogue with Community Action Northumberland. Finally, Wylam St Oswin have planning permission for solar panels on the roof of the church hall, with the help of Tyne Valley Wind and Solar. Both Berwick and Wylam have had issues over fireproof storage for batteries.
Meanwhile, other churches are exploring the electrification of their heating system. Backworth St John was formerly heated by gas. Now, following DAC approval, the church hopes to have electric radiators in place for Christmas. In readiness for this transition, St John’s switched its energy provider to Octopus Energy, which came equal top in a 2023 survey of Green Energy Suppliers. Bellingham St Cuthbert has electrified its (formerly oil-fired) heating system.
Lesbury St Mary, also formerly fired by oil, is exploring an electric heating system (formerly oil) in a project that will cost in the order of £40,000.
High Heaton St Francis has undergone an upgrade to its insulation, replacing all 97 windows with double-glazed, argon-filled windows in aluminium powder-coated frames. Monkseaton St Mary is also looking at improved insulation.
Alongside these Net Zero measures, our churches are putting in place plans to protect our beautiful biodiversity. Jesmond St George will shortly be clearing a space to become a pollinator patch (with the addition of a couple bug hotels). Warkworth St Lawrence has applied for permission to install cycle storage that doubles as an attractive planter, and Whitley Bay St Paul are installing compost bins.
Feel the momentum! And if you’d like to join the network of Parish Environment Champions, email tim.mayfield@btinternet.com
Stop Press: £110,000 has been awarded to Newcastle by the national church. Match-funding by the diocese of £60,000 will pay for our first tranche of Carbon Net Zero posts. Watch this space!