A number of churches in Cumbria have been adopting new 'green' technologies to make them more comfortable and energy efficient.  At the same time these changes also help to ensure that the buildings are better used and maintained and have a greater chance of survival.  Changes are described in the case studies below and where contact details of the people involved are provided we encourage you to find out more.  This page will be added to regularly as we hear about other inspiring churches.

Eco Toilets:
Matterdale Church installed a water-free composting toilet and small meeting room. For more details about installing toilets, including trench arch drainage systems, see here.

Hawes Junction Methodist Chapel, Garsdale Head (Mount Zion) has installed a toilet which is fed by rainwater, as well as automatically-timed door locks.

Sheep's Wool Insulation:
St James' Church, Whitehaven insulated its roof in 2012, using sheep's wool from Thermafleece.

Ground Source Heat Pumps:
St John the Evangelist, Bigrigg installed a ground source heat pump.  For more information, ring Mr Jordan on 01946 810361.
Holme Cultram Abbey (St Mary's, Abbeytown) also has a ground source heat pump. 
St Mary’s, Welwyn (Hertfordshire) also installed a ground source heat pump and set up a website with a wealth of information.

Air Source Heat Pumps:
Mungrisdale, St Kentigern installed an ASHP system in 2012.

Small Wind Turbines:
St James, Dalehead (North Lancashire) has installed a small wind turbine to provide light and some heat. Click here for Christian Ecology article

Solar PV:
St Paul's, Pooley Bridge is the first church in Cumbria to install Solar PV Cells into its roof.
Bradford Cathedral installed solar panels in August 2011 and is the first UK Cathedral to do so.
Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston installed solar panels in their grounds as part of their long term commitment to energy efficiency.
Sleaford St Denys, Lincolnshire has a useful account of the installation of solar PV panels on this grade I listed church.
Bethesda Methodist Church, Gloucestershire, a grade II listed building has PV panels and is a member of Eco-Congregation.

CTfC's Renewable Energy Symposium took place on 1st October 2011.  Information Pack 1 summarises the presentations on why our church communities need to engage with low carbon projects now, and how an Eco-Congregation can provide a model for action.

Information Pack 2 summarises the presentations on renewable energy/solar pv in church buildings.