Norfolk vicar says environmental work is "sign of hope" for the future
The work's being carried out at St Peter Mancroft, in Norwich over the next three months and is expected to reduce the church's carbon emissions by over 80%
The leader of a church in Norfolk says their work to install heat pumps and solar panels is a "sign of hope" for the next generation.
The work's being carried out at St Peter Mancroft, in Norwich over the next three months.
It's expected this will reduce the church's carbon emissions by over 80% and also save 60 tonnes of CO2e each year.
"It will change how we live our lives as people"
Reverend Edward Carter says this will do more than just cut down energy bills:
"This will help us think big and differently about our place in the city, county and wider world. So I'm confident that it will change how we live our lives as people, as well.
"It's sign of hope for the next generation and the generations that follow them. We can be selfish as human beings but we can also think generously and big picture. That's what we're trying to do here, we want others to follow us.
"What they learn in delivering this project will be shared"
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher is lead bishop for environment for the Church of England. Bishop Graham said;
“I am delighted that the clergy and congregation at St Peter Mancroft have taken the journey to Net Zero Carbon seriously and have worked hard on ambitious plans.
"As a major historic building in the centre of Norwich, their work will have widespread interest. What they learn in delivering this project will be shared so that other church communities are encouraged to develop their own net zero solutions.”
The background:
The project began in 2017, when it became apparent that maintenance issues with lighting in the Grade 1 listed church meant a complete overhaul was needed to bring it up to date.
No structural damage to the church is anticipated. While any disruption to the congregation and general public is expected to be minimal.
Those at St Peter Mancroft say they have been able to fund this largely through financial grants and its own resources, meaning that no public money will be used for this.