More than 30 churches across the diocese have been awarded hundreds of pounds towards cutting carbon thanks to the Quick Wins fund.

In the first round of funding, churches across the Diocese of Truro have benefited from £60,000 grants to help make improvements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This averages to nearly £1,600 per successful church application for initiatives such as LED lighting, blankets, carpets and heated cushions.

Now the second round of funding has been announced for Eco Church registered churches – preferably those with bronze awards. Churchgoers will have also had to have completed their most recent Energy Footprint Tool (EFT).

Andy McCartney, Churchwarden at St Probus and St Grace, said the grant helped to buy two mobile infra-red heaters for the church. They also got floor coverings to help people feel warm.

Andy said: “At St Probus and St Grace, we have found the cut carbon, Quick Wins grant to be really useful.

“We have used the grant scheme on two separate occasions, and both times found Ben really helpful and supportive and the process straight forward.”

David Watson, Churchwarden at St Hydroc, said: “After two years without any heating, and a very useful advisory visit from Ben Wood, we took the decision to remove our ancient, leaky, inefficient cast iron radiators.

“At the same time as we registered to become a Bronze Eco Church, we also applied for a Quick Wins grant, which meant that we received over £2,000 towards the purchase of five Herschel Rio heaters.”

He added the heaters have been ‘a flexible, cost-effective, low impact means of warming members of the congregation’.

Ben Wood, Cut Carbon Support Officer for churches at Diocese of Truro, said: “The first round of Quick Wins is now over. Some of the carbon cutting measures that took place in the first round included heated seat cushions for St Mawgan in Pydar, double glazed windows at Tregadillet and carpets in Probus.

“The small but meaningful contribution of items like those add up. It shows the power of small steps which can really lower church’s carbon emissions, decrease bills and increase comfort.

“Although round one is now over, fear not; round two has begun. I look forward to receiving your applications for the new round.

To find out more about how to apply for the second round of Quick Wins funding visit: https://trurodiocese.org.uk/resources/parish-facing-support/finance/funding-finance/church-buildings-support/

Any questions, email Ben Wood: Ben.Wood@trurodiocese.org.uk