Could this become the UK’s first cathedral to achieve net zero carbon emissions?
That’s the goal of a project launched by Canterbury Cathedral, a historic site that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Canterbury Cathedral is a historic Christian church located in Canterbury, Kent, England. It is one of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in England and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was founded in the 6th century as a monastery by St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, who brought Christianity to England from Rome.
York Minster continues to make history, after plans to put 199 solar panels on the cathedral roof
To date, a total of 75,000 kWh has be produced annually by the installation of 199 solar panels on the roof of the South Quire Aisle, which dates back to 1361. Alongside this, extra energy is stored in underground batteries for use during evening services and events. With this, the Church of England shared that they aim to be net zero by 2050.
The project put forward by City of York Council aims to reduce the cathedral’s carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency, generating renewable energy, and offsetting any remaining emissions. The cathedral plans to install around 200 solar panels on its roof, upgrade its heating and lighting systems, and promote carbon savings among staff and visitors. It also aims to restore the building’s medieval water management system, which could reduce water consumption and flood risk.
Although the panels will be visible from the ground, the cathedral’s architecture and heritage values will not be diminished, according to the Minster. It will only improve it’s carbon footprint.
After extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the City of York Council and Historic England, York Minster has submitted the planning application due to the significant increase in energy costs, a challenge faced by many cathedrals.
The anticipated annual gas and electricity costs for heating and powering the cathedral and the surrounding buildings of its wider Precinct are expected to triple in 2023.
Earlier this year, the installation of solar tiles on the Refectory’s roof in the Precinct was successful and produced 11,000 kilowatt-hours of power annually, marking the first time that solar tiles had been placed on a listed building in the city. This achievement inspired the planning application for additional energy-efficient solutions to be implemented.
To support these efforts, the cathedral has formed a partnership with a local energy company, Good Energy, which will provide expertise and finance for the installation of the solar panels. The company will also help the cathedral to buy green electricity and carbon offsets from certified projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives, to compensate for any emissions it cannot eliminate.
The project aligns with the Church of England’s national target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, as well as with the UK government’s goal to reach net zero by 2050. The cathedral hopes to set an example for other heritage buildings and faith communities to follow, showing that it is possible to combine environmental sustainability with cultural and spiritual heritage.
However, the project faces some challenges, such as the need to balance the preservation of the cathedral’s architectural and historical features with the adoption of modern technologies and practices. It also requires significant investment and support from donors, sponsors, and the public. Nonetheless, the project’s supporters believe that it is a necessary and worthwhile effort to protect the planet and promote a more responsible and compassionate society.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “This recent development is one of a number of Projects at York Minster which supports the Church of England’s net zero ambition, with various cathedrals including Bradford and Chester having already received permissions to install solar panels to generate their own power.
“As the largest cathedral to date to do so, York Minster seeks to set an example for even more to follow through our recently adopted Neighbourhood Plan. The message from COP27 was very clear: We must act now if we have any chance of addressing the climate emergency.
“Through extensive consultation with Historic England and the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, we have ensured that the panels will be sensitive to the historic architecture of the Minster and its Precinct.
“Visible only through glimpse views at ground level, they will not impact the cathedral’s architectural or heritage values, but will in fact play a significant role in ensuring the preservation of this beloved monument for future generations to enjoy as we do today.”