British Churches Turning to Heat Pumps for Energy Efficiency

One evening in July, under the shade of ancient trees and among weathered gravestones, congregants gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Lawford, Essex, to express gratitude for their new heat pump. They sang hymns and offered prayers in front of the bulky green apparatus. Karen Crowhurst, a member of the church’s management committee, remarked, “We’re really thankful to witness God’s wonders in such unexpected ways.”

Just a month before, the church’s grounds welcomed a new heat pump delivered by a flatbed truck. By the middle of the summer, the installation was complete, marking a shift in St. Mary’s centuries-old history.

Founded in the 13th century, St. Mary’s had relied on a wood chip boiler for warmth, which became costly and troublesome. After 800 years, they’ve switched to an electric solution. Crowhurst shared her relief, saying, “Our aim is to enjoy a cozy church throughout winter.”

Currently, numerous British churches are transitioning from traditional oil and gas to electric heat pumps, driven by ecological renovation projects. These initiatives are often embraced as a form of responsible Christian care.

Kat Jones, involved in eco-friendly planning at a Scottish church, emphasized the moral aspect, noting that many affected by emissions didn’t contribute to their cause. The church’s environmentally-minded efforts reflect broader stewardship principles.

Retrofitting heat pumps into historical church buildings, known for their size and lack of insulation, often presents unique challenges.

This tale illustrates why some faith communities are adopting this technology, highlighting its significance to them.

Reverend Barry Knott, who oversees churches in Kent, voices a moderate stance. Although not an activist, he ardently believes in resource management. Knott’s parish was among the early adopters of heat pumps, with St. Stephen’s Church in Lympne gaining recognition for its pioneering efforts.

In 2008, the church’s ground welcomed a new heat pump system. The geothermal setup soaks thermal energy from the soil, transforming it into warmth distributed throughout the building.

Heat pumps draw ambient heat from air, water, or the ground. Inside the pump, heat causes a refrigerant to evaporate, which is then compressed for increased temperature. This heat is then transferred to radiators or, as in St. Stephen’s, an underfloor system.

A notable benefit is the efficiency; heat pumps can produce multiple units of heat per unit of electricity consumed. This efficiency is measured by the coefficient of performance (COP), where higher values indicate greater efficiency.

Some church systems operate with impressive COPs, though varying conditions can affect performance. The devices generally offer lower output temperatures than the systems they replace, yet provide substantial energy savings.

Despite their efficiency, St. Stephen’s units face issues related to their damp location, leading to rust and wear. Recently, one unit required replacement.

To combat electricity costs, the church plans to add solar panels, though the building’s historical significance complicates installation. Knott plans a strategic placement to preserve the church’s aesthetic.

While St. Stephen’s is a veteran in this field, another church near London recently turned on its heat pump system. St John’s Church in Egham, built of stone and brick, undertook an intricate installation process, revealing numerous human remains.

Utilizing propane as a refrigerant, the recent installation manages to maintain efficiency while providing increased heat. Although the system’s full performance is yet to be assessed, the project demonstrates possibilities for historic sites.

Responses from congregants have been mostly positive, expressing surprise at the compatibility of sustainability with comfort.

For remote churches, electrical supply constraints can pose challenges. The need for significant power upgrades can be a financial barrier.

Church usage patterns also impact feasibility. Those open only sporadically might not justify continuous heating, though regular community activities can offset this.

Given proper conditions, experts like Graham Hendra see no reason why heat pumps shouldn’t be widespread in UK churches, regardless of size or location.

In resource-limited settings, heat pumps might be adopted out of necessity. When a Norwich church lost a gas boiler, they capitalized on the chance to shift towards a more sustainable system.

Installed alongside solar panels, the new system in Norwich uses air-source pumps connected to historic radiators. Performance during harsh winters remains under observation, with a gas boiler still available as backup.

Rev. Edward Carter, in Norwich, described the initiative as a strong message on environmental importance, both locally and globally.

While churches are not alone in embracing greener technology, their spiritual message adds another dimension. For religious communities, caring for the environment is not trendy but rooted in longstanding beliefs.

“Our mission to protect the Earth is not a novel idea,” Reverend Knott states. “It has been our calling for the past two millennia.”