Norwich Church Pioneers green Heating in Historic Building
A 15th-century church in Norwich is among a growing number of British community buildings embracing heat pump technology as part of a push towards decarbonization. St.Peter Mancroft Church recently installed two air source heat pumps connected to its Edwardian cast iron radiator system, achieving a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.The move comes as churches, village halls, covered markets, and transport hubs across the UK explore renewable energy solutions like solar panels, LED lighting, and electric heating.
“The church decided this was a good time to try and commit to it,” said Nicholas Jackson, of Nicholas Vanburgh Ltd, the architectural design firm involved, who also serves as the churchS fabric officer. While a gas boiler remains as a backup, the church is optimistic about the new system’s performance, though its ability to cope with extremely cold whether is still being assessed.
Reverend Edward Carter, the vicar, highlighted the church’s commitment to environmental stewardship, pointing to the “Earth Chapel” within the building.”We’re trying to say something to the City of Norwich here, and maybe to the wider world,” he stated.
The initiative reflects a broader spiritual motivation for environmental action, with some Christians believing scripture calls for planetary care.”We’re not jumping on the bandwagon,” said Mark Knott, emphasizing the long-standing religious basis for environmental concern.”This has been a message for 2,000 years.” Resources for similar projects are available through organizations like ACRE (Action with Rural Communities England).
