What we have done already

Since 2022 we have been recording temperature and humidity at various positions and heights in the nave and have been learning about how the Abbey responds to changes in the heating schedule and to low outside temperatures in winter.

By optimising use of the boilers and avoiding heating the building when it is closed, we have already reduced our heating bills.

We also use a gas supplier which offsets emissions (brown gas).

What we plan to do

The Abbey is heated by radiators circulating hot water fed from old gas boilers. Emissions from the gas heating of the Abbey are the equivalent of 50 tonnes of CO2 per year. It is a big space to heat, with much of the heat rising to higher levels leaving the ground floor cold.

We are looking at the options for electric heat pumps as the main source of heat in the Abbey. Delivery of heat to the Abbey could be through improved radiator systems or possibly underfloor heating, although this could be constrained by archeology and impact on the fabric of the building.

Local heating for particular areas could also be considered. 

Next steps

Following a competitive tendering process, we selected a partnership between Ingleton Wood and Purcell Architects to advise on potential solutions. The study is underway and is epxected to take around 3 months. The Parochial Church Council will consider their recommendations later in 2026. 

The next stage will be to develop technical proposals for the solutions identified.