News

Keeping church buildings warm, affordable to run and environmentally sustainable is set to be the focus of an important session at the CRE 2026.

Taking place on Wednesday 14 October from 11:00am to 11:30am as part of the Building Resources Conference, “Heating church buildings: warmth, cost and carbon” will explore one of the most significant challenges facing churches and historic buildings today.

The session will be led by Sue Willsher and Jonathan Ward who are part of the Net Zero Carbon Programme Department for the Diocese of London. Together, they will explore the opportunities offered by a range of approaches, from improving insulation and reducing draughts to zoning spaces and considering more targeted forms of heating.

With some churches already taking action, a recent survey by the National Churches Trust found that 41% of churches had made improvements to their heating systems by 2025, including replacing older boilers, upgrading thermostats, introducing heating zones and improving insulation. But, for many churches there is no simple one-size-fits-all solution. Large, historic and often listed buildings can be particularly difficult and expensive to heat. Source - National Churches Trust

Technologies such as heat pumps, infrared panels and pew heating are increasingly being explored as churches look for ways to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining comfortable spaces for worshippers, visitors and community groups.

For church leaders, treasurers, property teams, PCC members and anyone responsible for managing church buildings, this CRE 2026 session promises practical insight into one of the most pressing building challenges facing the industry.