St Stephen's Church

St Stephens is a traditional Grade I listed stone church dating from the Norman and Early English periods. After recognising the increasing importance of switching to renewable heating, the clients began seeking a renewable alternative.

isoenergy was chosen to provide the solution that would replace the existing costly and inefficient electric bar heaters as well as the old oil-fired boilers. Replacing the old inefficient technology would not only reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced by the church but also significantly reduce running costs.

To create the most efficient environment for the 24kW ground source heat pump system, new under-floor heating was specified and installed. Ensuring the heat is distributed evenly and more efficiently throughout the church.

The energy for the heat pump was collected by the four 110 metre deep boreholes that were drilled on the church grounds. Boreholes allow for better utilisation of the surrounding space as the pipes go vertical and not horizontal.

The consecrated ground needed protection during the works and the making good of the trenches had to be pristine to remove all traces.

Even though the church had poor insulation levels, as most older churches do, isoenergy made sure the specified heat pump system was appropriate to provide efficient heating for the church. As with all buildings, there is always a solution to help overcome the barrier of heat loss.

The church is now future-proofed against any future heating regulations, whilst benefiting from reduced heating costs and reduced carbon emissions by up to 75%.