Chester Cathedral is undertaking a significant step toward reducing its carbon footprint by installing roof-mounted solar panels on the ancient monastic building.
The solar panels are one part of the Cathedral’s activity towards becoming net-zero carbon, an aim set by the Church of England's General Synod.
The solar panels themselves will be in three sections on the Cathedral roof and will be able to provide a significant portion of the electricity required to run the site, generating a reduction of approximately 12.39 tCO2 each year.
Dean of Chester, Tim Stratford, says: “Chester Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Chester and has a responsibility to be sustainable. For us, sustainability includes ensuring that we are doing everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen our negative impact on our planet. It also means ensuring that we can fund the essential work carried out on our magnificent cathedral. The installation of solar panels on the roof will achieve both aims, in reducing the amount of fossil fuel burnt to heat our building; and in the longer term reducing the cost required to provide this fuel."
The solar panels arriving at Chester Cathedral
The Church of England has recently published its plan for achieving net-zero carbon by 2030. Its Routemap to Net Zero Carbon by 2030 encourages cathedrals, churches, schools and theological education institutions to make changes to their day-to-day activities to reduce carbon emissions.
In February 2020, General Synod voted to adopt the ambitious target of 2030, and following widespread consultation with parishes, dioceses, cathedrals, and the wider Church, the Routemap was drawn up by members of the Environment Working Group.
The Diocese of Chester is currently working towards becoming an Eco Diocese. This is an award from the Christian environment charity, A Rocha. Parishes are also encouraged to play their part.
Still wondering what Eco Church is and how your church can become one? The answers to your questions are here.