Pic shows: (L-R) Rev Arthur Harbottle, Rev Kim Hirst, Rev Leslie Newton, Tim O’Brien
A group of community churches in York and North Yorkshire are celebrating the completion of a major project to install sustainable energy systems and cut fuel bills.
Twenty churches in the Yorkshire North & East Methodist District have benefited from retrofitting existing buildings with technology such as solar panels, heat pumps and low-energy LED lighting.
The ‘Building Sustainable Hope’project received £739,465 from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s £7million Net Zero Fund. On Friday (26 Sept) members of the methodist organisation gathered at Northallerton Methodist Church to mark completion of the work and explain the benefits it has brought.
The Rev Leslie Newton, Chair of Yorkshire North & East Methodist District, said: “Through our Building Sustainable Hope project, we have been taking important steps on our journey to net zero, affirming that caring for creation and caring for communities go hand in hand.
“By working together, churches have been able to reduce their carbon footprint and created greener, more welcoming spaces that serve both congregations and their neighbours. Every step forward makes a real difference and shows what is possible when faith and action come together.”
York and North Yorkshire Mayor, David Skaith said: “We’re backing community hubs, like these churches through my Net Zero Fund.
“New solar panels are helping to reduce their energy costs, freeing up money for what matters most – supporting people in need.
“This is a great example of how our Net Zero Fund is supporting projects to save money, reduce emissions and move towards carbon negative by 2040.”
For Yorkshire North and East Methodist District, the switch to solar energy is already bringing savings. Wreyfield Methodist Church in Scarborough said its solar panels had provided 98 per cent of its electricity needs throughout April.
The £7million Net Zero Fund was awarded to York and North Yorkshire by the UK Government, as part of its devolution deal. So far it has provided support to 21 schemes to develop and deliver projects that are reducing energy bills, creating new jobs and enhancing our environment.