WETHERBY METHODIST CHURCH DECARBONISATION

WETHERBY METHODIST CHURCH

BACKGROUND

In September 2024, d3associates secured planning permission and listed building consent for a comprehensive decarbonisation project at Wetherby Methodist Church.

The project was designed to significantly reduce the church’s carbon emissions while improving comfort, energy efficiency and long-term resilience. The approved works included upgrades to the building fabric, replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives, and the installation of on- site renewable energy generation.

Key measures included increasing insulation levels throughout the building, installing a new high-performance front entrance door, replacing the existing gas boiler with air source heat pumps connected to the underfloor heating system, and replacing the Hall’s gas-fired heaters with an air-to-air heat pump system.

To help offset the increased electrical demand, in-line solar PV arrays were proposed on the east- and west-facing roof slopes, supported by a battery storage system to maximise the use of generated electricity on site. The electrical infrastructure was also upgraded through the replacement of the existing distribution board and internal cabling.

Following minor amendments to the proposals, the Conservation Officer recommended the scheme for approval. d3associates subsequently prepared detailed drawings, specifications and schedules of work, which were issued to suitably experienced local contractors for pricing. The resulting cost information was used to support successful grant funding applications.

OUTCOME

The project secured £135,000 of funding from the National Lottery Heritage
Fund, alongside additional contributions from the Garfield Weston Foundation, Benefact Trust, and the local Methodist District and Circuit.

This funding enabled the church to appoint its preferred contractor and proceed with the works, which included:

• Full upgrade of the church’s electrical installation

• Increase of roof void insulation to 500mm

• Installation of a 28kWp solar PV system with 20kWh battery storage

• Installation of two air-to-water heat pumps serving the existing underfloor heating in the Chapel and radiators throughout the remainder of the building

• Installation of three air-to-air heat pumps providing heating and cooling to the Hall

• Replacement of the main entrance door with a new double-glazed unit

d3associates supported the church throughout the delivery phase, helping the project remain on programme and within budget.

Performance during the first six months of operation, including the winter heating season, demonstrated that the new heat pump system is fully capable of achieving the required internal temperatures. While the system requires a longer warm-up period than the previous gas-fired boiler, it provides consistent and comfortable heating throughout the day.

As temperatures have risen, the benefits of the air-to-air heat pumps have become even more apparent. In addition to providing efficient heating during the winter, they have created a cool, comfortable environment in the Hall throughout the summer. This has been particularly appreciated by church users and community groups, demonstrating how modern heat pump systems can improve comfort all year round as well as reducing carbon emissions.

The warmer weather has also highlighted the effectiveness of the renewable energy system. During sunny periods, the church has been generating more electricity than it consumes, significantly reducing its reliance on electricity imported from the grid. The final phase of the project will involve replacing the remaining gas-fired heater with radiators and installing a smart meter, enabling the church to generate income by exporting surplus electricity to the grid.

The completed scheme is saving approximately 18.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year while generating around 25,800kWh of renewable electricity annually, making a significant contribution towards the church’s Net Zero ambitions.

Feedback from church members has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to reducing energy costs and carbon emissions, the new systems have created a comfortable environment throughout the year, providing reliable warmth in winter and effective cooling during the summer. Combined with the renewable energy generation, the project is helping the church reduce running costs while providing a warm and welcoming environment for worshippers, community groups and visitors alike.