The Net Zero Team are pleased to have completed a summer season of Benefact Trust Open Church events which took place at St Leonard’s, Lasswade, St Mary’s, Hamilton, St Ninian’s, Dundee and Holy Trinity, Dunoon. These events were organised to showcase Pioneer projects funded in 2025 as part of the Benefact Trust-Scottish Episcopal Church partnership. The partnership was organised so as to fund seven decarbonisation projects – one in each Diocese – in 2025 and 2026.
At these events, over a hundred guests from charges and ecumenical partners have been welcomed to explore various technologies, learn about the project process and gain information from external funders and installers. Members of the Net Zero team have led these events and provided perspective as to funding options and support available to all charges.
St Mary’s Hamilton
At St Mary’s Hamilton, 80 solar panels have been installed creating a 38.25 kWp solar energy system supported by approximately 29 kWh of usable battery storage. The batteries allow electricity generated during sunnier periods to be stored and used later, helping the Church and centre reduce its reliance on electricity from the national grid.
Within its first week of operation, the new system generated almost 60% of the electricity used within the building, representing a saving of approximately £100 in just seven days. The centre is now achieving around 85% electricity self-sufficiency, as well as receiving 8p per kWh for surplus electricity exported to the grid.
Together, these savings and export payments will help protect the long-term sustainability of the Church and centre which allows more resources to be directed towards community activities, wellbeing services and the many local groups that use the building each week.
Representatives from churches across the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway came together in late July to learn from the team at St Mary’s. The team shared their experience of developing the project, securing support and understanding the installation’s environmental and financial impact.
The installers, OHMS Renewables, provided a tour of the solar panels and battery system and discussed the wider considerations involved in undertaking renewable-energy improvements to heritage properties. Spirit of Lanarkshire Wind Energy Co-operative, which has supported St Mary’s environmental ambitions, also shared valuable insight from a funding perspective.
Special thanks go to Suzie McCheyne from St Mary’s for All for her assistance in organising and coordinating the event.
St Leonard’s Lasswade
At St Leonard’s, Lasswade, an extremely effective and sensitively developed air-source heat pump system has been installed – transforming the space and creating a warm and welcoming environment. The ASHP system is aided by supplemental non-glow infrared heaters to warm the people when needed (though this has not been the case as of yet).
Underfloor and loft insulation have also been installed to minimise heat loss. The heat pump set up is complemented by a stratification system which pushes the hot air down to ground level – this was demonstrated and felt by guests to immediate effect.
In this way, the fabric of the church is preserved and the people of the congregation have a warm welcoming and flexible space to use for both worship and a variety of community activities. This new system has radically improved the experience and usability of the space.
Various churches from across the Edinburgh Diocese attended the Open Church event in early August, which was centred around an overview of the project process and system experience from the team at St Leonard’s. The installer (Climate Control Services) was also on hand to assist with a tour of the system and provide the technical perspective. Many thanks to Rev Peter Harris for his invaluable efforts in organising this event.
St Ninian’s Dundee
St Ninian’s Dundee hosted representatives of one third of the charges in the Diocese of Brechin to showcase their complete property decarbonisation. The Pioneer award supported the installation of a range of solar panels, an accompanying battery system, solar hot water system, insulation and system of radiant heaters.
The team behind the project at St Ninian’s, led by Dean Kenneth Gibson, provided their perspective on the project process and system experience. This conversation was complemented by both the installer who completed the project (Scottish Energy Saving) and the developer of the heaters in place (Flexel).
Charges from throughout the Diocese were able to witness first-hand the solar / radiant-heating system which allows St Ninian’s to continue to serve their community in the Mid Craigie area of Dundee in a welcoming way, while also reducing their carbon-emissions. This was a productive day filled with collaboration, sharing and encouragement – many thanks go to Dean Kenneth and the entire team at St Ninian’s for their assistance in organising the day.
Holy Trinity Dunoon
The first weekend of September saw the final Benefact Trust Open Church event, held at Holy Trinity, Dunoon in the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. Various members of the Holy Trinity community, other charges from the Diocese and ecumenical friends from the Dunoon area attended an informative day exploring the journey so far at the 176 year old church.
An array of 30 solar panels have been installed, in addition to a battery system, which support a range of radiant heaters. This new heating system has transformed the space and greatly contributed to Holy Trinity being much more comfortable in the coming colder weather and a welcoming space to all. Initial figures show a steady income from the energy generated by the panels – not to mention the electricity savings associated with not requiring to draw from the grid for heating/lighting use.
Guests at the open day were provided context by John Parker and Rev David Rushton of Holy Trinity, in addition to the technical perspective of the developers of the heaters installed (Flexel). A stimulating and open dialogue was held where various elements of the project process, funding experience and technology options were discussed across various contexts. Many thanks to the team at Holy Trinity, Dunoon for their assistance in organising this productive event.
In total, thirty-seven churches were represented across the four events and a wide range of positive, collaborative discussions were held leading to multiple developments in projects across various Diocese. Charges reported appreciating the opportunity to observe a variety of technologies and systems in practice and the ability to enquire and learn from other churches who have already pursued relevant projects.
The Net Zero team will continue to facilitate such discussions and learning opportunities, and look forward to highlighting various projects, including those supported through partnership with the Benefact Trust, while supporting charges across the Province at every stage of their decarbonisation journey.
Jack Nevin, Innovation Coordinator
