Churches and Chapels Guide Wales, UK - ENNEREG Good Practice in Energy Efficient Buildings

Very many Welsh church and chapel buildings that were built or substantially refurbished during periods of significant church growth in the 19th century and key features of the buildings point towards similar solutions to the modern problem of rendering them comfortable for intermittent use today – at reasonable cost. This is often true even though the external appearance of the buildings may vary dramatically. The guide provides low carbon solutions to fit most circumstances.

Summary

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Sustainable Energy Options for Older Churches and Chapels

This document outlines recommendations for sustainable energy options for older Churches and Chapels in Wales. Prepared by Andy Bull, Severn Wye Energy Agency, July 2011

Summary

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Llanpumpsaint Church, Carmarthenshire. Photograph by Andy Bull.

Aims and Objectives of this Sustainable Energy Action

The project is relevant to approximately 3,000 buildings across Wales that are used as places of worship and for other community gatherings. Very many of these buildings are recognised as being of historic and/or architectural interest and thus the aims have to take into account this very significant constraint. The objectives are:

Reduction in energy consumption
Increase in the use of low carbon and/or renewable energy
Render the buildings more comfortable in winter and thus increase use
Provide a heating system

Results and Impacts

The project commenced in the autumn of 2010 as surveys of the first buildings were undertaken. The generic guide that was written as results of the early surveys became evident, was completed in the summer of 2011. Following wide circulation to individual churches and chapels, and denominational organisations, it became clear that there was considerable interest from the Church-in-Wales in particular.

SWEA is supporting the Church-in-Wales in seeing the recommendations of the report widely implemented over the coming years.

Impacts in terms of the reduction of carbon emissions will vary tremendously between buildings with a very wide number of variables needing to be applied. Whilst the direct reductions will not be large, the indirect results in terms of the demonstration of solutions in “difficult” public buildings will be significant.

Technical and Financial Implementation

The main cost in the implementation of this project has been the cost of time spent surveying buildings, and the writing and translating of the Guide. No printing costs have been incurred as it is a downloadable publication which will be circulated via the extensive Churches and Chapels networks. The project started in mid 2010, and the Guide was finalised a year later. The project will continue over the coming few years.

The guide was produced entirely within the budget provided by the ENNEREG project but the implementation phase will require finance from elsewhere. More specific and tailored advice will be provided by SWEA and others and will be funded by churches and denominations. The capital expense involved in building alterations and equipment installation will possibly be funded in the longer term via the “Renewable Heat Incentive”.

The Partners and Stakeholders

Initially, individual building owners sought advice from SWEA, and the intention was to produce sustainable energy case studies. This progressed once commonalities were identified and this resulted in a generic guide being produced and circulated. As a result, whole denominations have become involved and the guide has been circulated to all churches in most of the main denominations in Wales – hundreds of buildings.

The main denominations have a team or person responsible for building issues, and these are helping with the implementation of the recommendations of the guide.

SWEA was invited to present the guide to a meeting of a building maintenance group of ‘Churches Together’, and has since maintained contact with the Church in Wales in particular. Discussions are continuing in respect of potential funding and tailored advice to specific buildings.

Lessons Learnt

Experience gained: as a result of the initial surveys, common problems were highlighted in many of the buildings resulting in the development of the Guide.

Success factors of project implementation: This SEP brought about a Wales-wide awareness of the need for remedial action on our Churches and Chapels; the timing of this has been particularly successful with the birth of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Strengths, important points and potential pitfalls: As the majority of the Churches and Chapel networks are in support of and promote this guide, the project is expected to have a significant impact throughout Wales. The main pitfall for the success of the project would be lack of available funds to carry out remedial activities; however the RHI should assist in this.

Churches & Chapel Energy Guide - Sustainable Energy Options for Older Churches and Chapels

This document outlines recommendations for sustainable energy options for older Churches and Chapels in Wales. Very many Welsh church and chapel buildings that were built or substantially refurbished during periods of significant church growth in the 19th century and key features of the buildings point towards similar solutions to the modern problem of rendering them comfortable for intermittent use today – at reasonable cost.

Download Publication [EN - English]

Churches & Chapel Energy Guide in Welsh - ADRODDIAD ac ARGYMHELLION Dewisiadau Ynni Cynaliadwy ar gyfer Eglwysi a Chapeli Hŷn yng Nghymru

Cafodd llawer iawn o eglwysi a chapeli Cymru eu hadeiladu neu eu hadnewyddu’n sylweddol yn ystod y cyfnod o dwf aruthrol mewn eglwysi yn y 19eg ganrif, ac mae rhai o nodweddion allweddol yr adeiladau’n cyfeirio tuag at atebion tebyg i’r broblem fodern o’u gwneud yn gyfforddus i’w defnyddio’n achlysurol heddiw - am gost resymol. Mae hyn yn aml yn wir er bod ymddangosiad allanol yr adeiladau’n gallu amrywio’n fawr.

Download Publication [CY - Cymraeg]

Related Information on the Regions 202020 Website:

Sustainable Energy Theme(s): Sustainable / Energy Efficient Buildings
Region(s)/Community(ies): UK: Cymru - Wales
Country(ies): United Kingdom

Last updated: 16/12/2011 10:43am - Contact: Andy BULL -