Energy efficiency measures

There are some relatively easy steps which will cut your church's use of electricity and gas/oil, and your utility bills.

Download our guidance for advice about adjustments to your radiators, heating system, and lighting as well as "soft" changes such as cushions and draught-proofing. 

(With thanks to the Energy Working Group of Diocesan Environmental Officers who prepared this guidance.) 

Why improve your energy efficiency?

Heating and lighting are the biggest elements of most churches’ ‘carbon footprint’ so cutting energy use helps us care for creation. Think Energy for Mission!

Through financial savings it can also provide funds for further environmental mission or other areas of ministry.

With the global and national transition away from fossil fuel use and onto renewable electricity and heating systems these steps can also help to future proof church buildings and help achieve General Synod's call to achieve "net zero".

"Soft" changes

Without making big changes to your heating system, you can still have a real impact with simple ‘soft’ alterations such as the use of cushions, draught- exclusion, and lagging, and better control of heater timings.

‘Soft’ changes reduce expenditure and energy use while increasing comfort levels.

The ‘felt’ temperature experienced by human body is equally dependent on the temperatures of the air, and of the surrounding surfaces.

Read more about what's possible by downloading our guidance

"Hard changes" to heating and lighting systems

Every church needs to be taken on a case-by-case basis and will need specific advice, especially if you have historic interiors.

However, many churches can benefit from changes such as;

  • fitting LED bulbs
  • understanding your heating system and optimising how it runs, to fit with when and how the building is used
  • focusing on heating the people not the space
  • zoning your heating.

Some churches, especially big, busy churches, will benefit from solar PV and other renewables. 

Read more about what can be done by downloading our guidance