National Church and Heritage Leaders Gather at Lichfield Cathedral to Explore Net Zero Solutions for Historic Buildings

Representatives from the Church of England, cathedrals across England, universities, Innovate UK and the heritage sector gathered at Lichfield Cathedral on 5 November to explore how some of the nation’s most historic buildings can meet the challenge of Net Zero Carbon while safeguarding their heritage for future generations.

The event, held in the Cathedral’s newly refurbished College Hall, showcased progress on Sacred Spaces, Sustainable Futures, Lichfield Cathedral’s pioneering Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), which is developing practical tools and approaches to help churches and cathedrals reduce carbon emissions, while caring for historic fabric. The project is a collaboration between Lichfield Cathedral, the University of Staffordshire, the University of Birmingham, and Innovate UK, funded by the Church Commissioners for England and Innovate UK.

Attendees included senior representatives from the Church of England’s National Net Zero Carbon Programme, representatives from English Cathedrals, alongside experts from Innovate UK, Staffordshire University, University of Birmingham, the Diocese of Lichfield and the Midlands Net Zero Hub.

The event opened with a welcome from Canon Gregory Platten, before delegates heard from Paul Sampson, Regional Principal Energy Projects Officer at the Midlands Net Zero Hub. His presentation outlined how organisations can use data, carbon modelling, emerging technologies and financing opportunities to identify priorities, secure feasibility funding and develop investable Net Zero projects

Delegates also heard from Dr Elena Imani, Sustainability Project Manager at Lichfield Cathedral and KTP Associate, who shared findings from the first year of the project. The research focuses on understanding how a Grade I listed cathedral can significantly reduce its carbon emissions while continuing to protect its historic structure and serve its communities.

The Church of England has committed to reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2030, presenting a significant challenge for historic buildings. At Lichfield Cathedral alone, achieving this goal will require a reduction of approximately 160 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equating to a reduction of around 90 per cent.

A key focus of discussion throughout the day was the development of a practical toolkit that could be used by churches and cathedrals across the country to support their own decarbonisation journeys. Delegates were particularly interested in the use of environmental data loggers and building performance modelling, which are helping researchers better understand how historic buildings operate and identify the most effective interventions.

Dr Elena Imani added: “The ambition of this project extends beyond Lichfield Cathedral. Our aim is to develop tools, evidence and approaches that can be adapted and applied across the wider cathedral and church sector. Bringing together specialists from such a diverse range of organisations has been invaluable in helping shape that work.”

The event demonstrated the growing commitment across the Church, heritage and sustainability sectors to collaborative solutions that balance environmental responsibility with the conservation of some of the country’s most significant historic buildings.

Guests were hosted in Lichfield Cathedral’s newly renovated College Hall and enjoyed refreshments prepared by SALT at Lichfield Cathedral.