Church of Ireland parishes show the way in cutting carbon emissions
Eleven Church of Ireland parishes across the island are to share in a £200,000 competition designed to cut carbon emissions in church buildings.
Four main winners will each receive funding covering 50% of their project capital cost up to a maximum of £/€50,000. The total fund stands at £300,000 with two-thirds of it allocated in this round of funding to the eleven parishes. Funding ranged from £/€4,000 to £/€50,000, depending on project scale.
Two of the four are in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe while the others are in Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocese.
Seven additional projects will receive funding, one of which is the parish of Magherally and Annaclone for solar generation and battery storage.
The Church of Ireland Archbishop and Primate of all Ireland, The Most Revd John McDowell, said the judges were impressed by the entries which reflected a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions in church properties.
Archbishop McDowell said: “Entries came from all over the island which was immensely satisfying from a church perspective.
“The Church is delighted with the response. Parishes are keen to improve efficiency, thereby reducing environmental impact. This competition serves to underline the desire and commitment across the Church of Ireland to responsible stewardship of buildings, resources and the wider environment.
“The Church of Ireland is deeply indebted to the significant financial support from the Benefact Trust charity which worked alongside our Representative Church Body (RCB) to create this practical and impactful energy efficiency competition.”
RCB Project Manager, Dermot Burns, said entries in the competition spanned every facet of energy efficiency from an ambitious heating modernisation and sustainability upgrade in the parish of Londonderry/Derry to a self-sustainable church heating and lighting system with renewable solar energy in the Ross Union of parishes in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
“The grant programme encourages innovation in energy efficiency, renewable technologies and sustainable building practices. Successful projects will demonstrate both environmental benefit and long-term community value, and we look forward to sharing their stories.”
RCB Chief Officer, David Ritchie, congratulated the winners and the seven additional projects to receive funding.
Mr Ritchie said: “We couldn’t be happier with the level of interest shown by parishes and the feedback we received.
“Entries covered a broad spectrum of initiatives including solar panel installation, carbon reducing heat pump to LED lighting. We have parishes leading the way when it comes to cutting carbon. Their efforts are bearing fruit. Overall, the Church of Ireland has 1,000 properties throughout the island and we will continue to do all we can to expand our sustainability ‘footprint’ and leave a meaningful legacy for the next generation.”