A group of churches in York and North Yorkshire are celebrating the completion of a major project to cut fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Twenty churches in the Yorkshire North & East Methodist District have been fitted with new sustainable energy systems, including solar panels, heat pumps and low-energy LED lighting.
The £739,465 ‘Building Sustainable Hope’ project was funded through York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s £7 million Net Zero Fund. Members of the Methodist organisation gathered at Northallerton Methodist Church on Friday, September 26, to mark the completion of the work and highlight its benefits.
The Rev Leslie Newton, Chair of the 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, added: “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.”
Some churches are already seeing results. Wreyfield Methodist Church in Scarborough said its solar panels had supplied 98 per cent of its electricity needs throughout April.
The £7 million Net Zero Fund was awarded to York and North Yorkshire by the UK Government as part of its devolution deal. To date, it has supported 21 schemes aimed at cutting energy bills, creating new jobs and improving the environment.
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