Environment & Net Zero
Our response to the climate emergency and our care for creation is a central and integral part of our discipleship.
Background
In 2011 the Methodist Church adopted the report Hope in God's Future: Christian Discipleship in the Context of Climate Change as a Conference statement. In 2021 the Methodist Conference set an aspirational target for the Methodist Church in Great Britain to become a net zero Church by 2030, calling on all ministers, preachers and church members to take action in response.
In Great Ayton with Easby Methodist Church we have been responding to this target over the past few years: we changed the lights in the main church to LED, moved to a renewable electricity supplier, registered as an Eco Church, recycle as much as possible, and church council adopted an Environmental Policy.
We were also aware that Great Ayton church had a very ageing, inefficient gas boiler (over 30 years old) which needed to be replaced before it finally broke down. We are blessed to be on a south-facing site, with a church roof ideal for mounting solar panels — a very visible witness to the community of our commitment to sustainability, as well as helping to reduce our energy bills.
The project
Following a report funded by North Yorkshire Council in early 2024, we developed an action plan to:
- Meet the aspirations of becoming net zero
- Solve the issue of the ageing gas boiler by using air source heat pumps
- Reduce our ongoing energy bills
- Demonstrate our commitment to protecting God's creation and act as a very visible witness to the wider community
The project involved improving our insulation, fitting air source heat pumps, installing solar panels and battery storage, and installing additional LED lighting. The total project cost was around £100k. Church council committed £42.5k from reserves; we received a grant from the Benefact Trust of £9.5k and £15k via the government Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Aviva matched crowdfunding raised £22,377 including Gift Aid — exceeding our £20k target. Many thanks to all who generously donated!
We were also awarded a major grant and support from Net Zero York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, part of a larger decarbonisation effort across the Yorkshire North & East Methodist District.
What was done
Solar & batteries
Solar panels and battery storage installed on our south-facing roof, generating renewable energy.
Heat pumps
Air source heat pumps installed and operating, replacing the 30-year-old gas boiler.
Insulation & zoning
Cavity wall and roof insulation improved; the building now has six heating zones for flexible, economical use.
LED lighting
Energy-efficient LED lighting installed around the building.
Silver Eco Church — working towards gold
With our renewable electricity contract and these improvements, we're delighted to say we're as close to carbon neutral as we can be at this time.
Want to know more?
We'd be happy to talk about our net zero journey and share what we've learned.