Net zero for churches: simple steps that respect your building

Heating a large, sometimes draughty space on a tight budget isn’t easy. You want people to feel welcome and warm, but every degree adds pressure to the bank account.

Many churches also care for listed buildings, so even small changes can feel daunting. This guide brings the essentials together: what matters, what works, and where support and funding can help.

Why act now?

Many denominations have set strong decarbonisation goals (the Church of England aims for net zero carbon by 2030), and energy remains a major running cost for most churches. Progress doesn’t have to mean big construction work; small, well-chosen actions can lower bills and emissions while protecting heritage.

Common pain points we hear from churches

• Large volumes of air are expensive to heat for short services or events. People-centred heating (warming bodies, not the whole space) can be more effective.
• Listed buildings limit invasive works, so the plan must respect fabric and significance.
• Multiple meters, suppliers and quotes make it hard to see where to start or what pays back.
• Even proven measures need upfront funds; knowing which grants and tax reliefs apply is essential.

Quick wins that protect heritage

Start with heat loss and comfort, then move to controls and lighting:

• Shut out draughts
  Fit thick door curtains, keep porch doors closed and maintain gutters to keep the building dry; wet fabric loses heat faster. These are low-risk steps that suit historic spaces.
• Heat patterns, not empty air
  Keep a low, steady background temperature (around 8–10°C) and boost before services. Consider pew or under-seat heaters and heated cushions instead of trying to warm the entire nave.
• LED lighting
  High-level fittings with quality LEDs reduce consumption and maintenance, improving light for reading and livestreaming.
• Metering and monitoring
  Advanced metering and a light-touch energy management system help you spot waste and set simple rules, like scheduling boosts only when needed.

Real-world proof: a Church of England case study reported reducing the cost of a Sunday service’s heating from £122 to £22 after a careful refresh of systems and controls. 

When bigger changes make sense

If your roof has good sun exposure, solar PV can shrink electricity spend and carbon, especially when paired with battery storage to cover evening activities. Where appropriate, voltage optimisation and smart controls can trim demand further. For heating, heat pumps can work in some churches, often alongside floor or pew heating and fabric improvements, but they’re not the first step for every site. A proper assessment will show what suits your building and use pattern.

Funding and reliefs to check today

• VAT & CCL on energy
  If you’re a charity and most energy is used for non-business activities, you can qualify for the reduced 5% VAT rate on fuel and power, and your supply can be excluded from the Climate Change Levy. Ask your supplier about the declaration they need.
• Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS)
  Listed churches can claim grants that refund VAT on eligible repairs and some alterations. The scheme is confirmed to 31 March 2026 with a £25,000 annual cap per site, helpful for planning phased works.

How support can make this easier

A good partner removes admin and guesswork. That means: a guided assessment to find your true starting point; simplified tendering so you see the best-fit options without chasing dozens of quotes; access to trusted specialists for solar, storage, lighting and controls; and help with compliance paperwork where it applies. You should expect clear pricing, end-to-end project management and ongoing support, not a one-off contract.

Book a free energy review: We’ll talk with you to understand your building’s energy profile and any compliance needs, then share clear recommendations on where to focus first. It’s a simple way to see which steps could bring the greatest benefit without wasting time or money.