More than 800 SMEs and charities in the West of England have been supported to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, through free Carbon Surveys and Green Business Grants. Grants of between £200 and £15,000 are available to churches in the BANES council area to cover up to 60% of eligible costs for energy saving improvements. Projects have included LED lighting, solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, radiant heating and cooking appliances.
Registered charities are eligible to apply and a number of churches have been supported, with installation of radiant heating and heat pumps being the most popular. One of these churches is St Johns Church in Keynsham, who have received a grant of £15,000 to replace a gas boiler with radiant heating.
Keen to support the Church of England goals to be carbon neutral by 2030, the team at St John’s Church in Keynsham set out to find an environmentally friendly replacement when their gas boiler broke down. After researching the options, they decided that radiant heat panels were the best solution. Although the panels are expensive, the team felt it was worth taking the time to raise the necessary funds needed to install the new heating system. They were also eager for St John’s to be a flagship project, helping other churches learn from their experience and consider whether this technology might work in their context. Because they chose a sustainable heating option, the church was able to apply for the Carbon Survey and Green Business Grant scheme. Their application was successful, and they were awarded a grant of £15,000 to help fund the new system.
Anne Hewett, Treasurer at St John’s explained how they set about applying for the grant, “We found out about the grant through another church; the application process was not too difficult once we got going and we found it helpful to talk to the team at the council.”
Dan Wills Net Zero Enabler for Bath and Wells says, “We’re absolutely delighted that St John’s has been awarded this grant. It’s a real boost for their net zero journey and a great example of how a church can take steps towards a more sustainable heating. I’d encourage other churches to investigate the support that’s available. The Carbon Survey and Green Business Grant scheme can make a big difference and help you think about new and innovative ideas.”
St John’s, located on the High Street in Keynsham, is a busy church that is open every day for private prayer. As the only large building in a fast-growing community, it plays a central role in the life of the town, hosting large civic events, from Remembrance Sunday to the Christmas Tree Festival.
The £15,000 grant is being put towards the electrics and the installation of the heating panels, which will be mounted in halo chandeliers. Anne says, “After 2 cold winters, we are looking forward to worshipping in the main church building without moving into the hall, and to be able to welcome people to community events in a warm and pleasant space!”
The grant is available first come, first served and all projects must be completed by March 2026. We can also help you find carbon saving opportunities and signpost to installer directories.
If you would like more information about the grant get in touch with Bath and Wells’ Net Zero Enabler, Dan Wills dan.wills@bathwells.anglican.org or register online for an application pack.