Aspiring to be green
An increasingly important aspect of a facilities manager’s role is cutting the carbon footprint of their organisation. There are numerous ways to go about this, from simple changes to lighting and heating, to switching energy suppliers, to large-scale installations of solar panels or wind turbines. FMJ spoke to two Opus Energy customers, All Saints’ Church and Hamerton Zoo Park, to find out about their experiences of moving towards more sustainable energy solutions
A nationwide initiative by the Church of England has prompted churches across the country to investigate ways of reducing their carbon footprint. The high proportion of buildings with listed status means that improving sustainability can be challenging. For example, there can be problems associated with installing traditional generators such as solar panels on historic buildings. Even attempts to reduce energy consumption in these often inefficient buildings can be difficult. However, there is nonetheless a strong determination among the church community to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make positive changes for the future.
All Saints’ Church is a bustling community church serving the town of Ascot in Berkshire. The 150 year-old church building is grade II listed and plays host to a busy weekly schedule of services as well as baptisms, weddings, funerals, toddler groups, care home visits and much more. Sourcing a cleaner energy supply became a top priority for All Saints’ Church as they were keen to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and set a positive example to their congregation and community through usage of cleaner energy.
When it comes to its energy supply, clergy and parishioners are understandably conscious about high levels of consumption, especially given the age of the building and the specific heating and lighting requirements. In addition, as with many churches, the grade II listed status means straightforward decisions are almost impossible.
Chris Gunton, assistant church warden explained: “The church was built in the Victorian era with ornate, gothic-style wall and chancel ceiling paintings. These paintings were recently restored to their former glory but to ensure they stay in good condition a constant temperature has to be maintained inside the church. In addition, the outside of the church is floodlit, which makes it an iconic landmark in the town but is a further contributing factor to higher energy consumption.
“We wanted to move to a greener energy supplier, without paying a premium, so approached an energy broker for guidance,” continued Chris. “They advised us that Opus Energy was a reliable company with a good reputation, and when we asked for a quote it was the most competitive. Much of the power supplied by Opus Energy comes from cleaner, low carbon sources – last year it was 91 per cent renewable, but without the extra cost.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As a result of a combined effort from the church warden and other environmentally-conscious members of the congregation, the church has already started looking beyond the initial steps of changing to a cleaner energy supplier. Other avenues being explored in order to reduce their carbon footprint include fitting LED lighting and de-stratification fans and replacing boilers.
The plans for the future do not stop there. All Saints’ Church’s long-term ambition is to generate its own energy through investment in renewable technology, such as solar panels or a wind turbine. Despite the obstacles associated with these methods – for example, gaining planning permission or placing solar panels in optimum positions upon the roof of the church – when installed, renewable generation could result in full self-sufficiency and other commercial benefits. These include the opportunity to raise revenue which can be ploughed back into the church and community projects. With this forward-thinking approach, the church is not only investing in its future to become more sustainable, but also stands to make substantial commercial gains.
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Source: FMJ
