A CHURCH dating back more than 500 years could soon be leading the way in how to achieve a net-zero future thanks to an £18,000 grant.
Taunton Minster has been awarded the money as part of a Demonstrator Grant to help it move towards becoming a net-zero carbon church.
The funding is part of the Church of England’s national programme to help churches cut their energy use and move away from fossil fuels.
Being a demonstrator church also provides the opportunity to share what is learned with other churches, encouraging others to take important steps towards reducing their carbon impact.
Dan Wills, Bath and Wells net zero adviser, said: “We’re really pleased Taunton Minster has been chosen as a Demonstrator Church. It’s a great opportunity to explore what a realistic path to net zero looks like for a large and much-loved church building.
“The work they do will help other parishes in the diocese and beyond understand what’s possible and what support is available to help them get there.”
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Taunton Minster, known widely as St Mary Magdalene Church, is one of the larger churches in the Diocese of Bath and Wells Diocese.
Situated in Church Square, at the end of Hammet Street, it has a dedicated environment team who have worked for some time to improve energy efficiency at the church.
Nicola Johnson, environment lead for Taunton Minster, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded stage one of the Demonstrator Grant. It will make a huge difference to the work we want to do here and also means we can share what we learn so that others can also take practical steps towards net zero.
“The church is such a big part of our lives, and it too has an environmental impact. If God has told us anything, it’s to look after creation.”
Under the stage one grant, the grade I-listed Minster will have access to expert advice to identify the best low-carbon heating and energy options available, alongside fundraising advice to help raise the 50% match funding needed to qualify for the next stage of capital support.
The project will focus on identifying a suitable retrofit heating and energy system for the main church building, including exploring air-source heat pumps, infra-red heating and under-pew heaters, as well as feasibility work for solar panels and battery storage.
The funding will also support design and procurement planning, and guidance on the right time to replace the church’s existing 2013 gas boiler.
Murray Cochrane is a member of the Taunton Minster Environmental Task Force, and said the Minster’s congregation will be involved in all aspects of the decision making.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to support others. At the beginning of our journey, we were often thinking,
‘Where do you go for this advice? How do you know what to do?’, so it’s going to be great to be able to provide that advice to others,” he added.
“But the support will go both ways – every interaction with other churches brings learning for both sides.”
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