In a bid to reach net zero, 100 Church of England churches, which are currently the worst-performing for carbon efficiency, will have access to £5.2 million in grants, to become more eco-friendly.

Solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and infrared heating systems are some of the key upgrades needed to transform older, vacuous buildings.

The Demonstrator Churches project encompasses churches from a variety of communities. The aims is for each ‘demonstrator’ building to set an example in its region, such that other parishes can implement similar measures.

Rev Canon Edward Carter, vicar of St Peter Mancroft Church in Norwich, has been instrumental in the project. Shortly after arriving at St Peter’s, the largest of the city’s 31 surviving medieval parish churches, one of the main gas boilers failed.

In March 2024, solar panels were installed on the church roof. A new LED lighting system, heat pumps and batteries will be the next improvements.

Rev Carter said: “It’s so satisfying to see this project finally come to fruition. It is a comprehensive project to a Grade 1 listed church at a time when the net zero agenda is one of the Church of England’s top priorities.

“The entire installation process is being filmed for use as a resource for other parishes who may want to be doing this themselves.”

St Peter’s expects to see an 84% reduction in emissions, saving 52.26 tonnes of CO2 each year.