National Church and Heritage Leaders Gather at Lichfield Cathedral to Explore NetZero 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.