Question

To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what proposals the Church Commissioners have received to allow community energy generation using church roofs for solar panels.

The General Synod of the Church of England is committed to the whole Church reducing its carbon footprint. One strategy which is proving popular in local communities is for the Church to use solar installations on its roof to generate energy for the benefit of the surrounding community.

Examples where community generation is working well can be found in St John's Church, Old Trafford and St George's Church, Kemp Town, Brighton where both churches are part of an energy cooperative. The Church of England is committed to environmental action and finding creative solutions to reduce the energy demands of its own buildings, more detailed advice can be found at www.churchcare.co.uk