Low carbon buildings

Politicans and prelates are beginning to accept global warming due to human-induced build up of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere as a reality which must be faced. Even industry is beginning to realise that there are costs to be borne and possibly profits to be made. In such a context, what is a low carbon building?

When my Department moved from a leaking, clapped out relic of the second world war to a handsome purpose designed modern building, our electricity bill went up by a factor of three or four with the same number of staff. Lifts, air conditioning, properly lit corridors and offices, all pushed the electricity bill up, and consequently the carbon emissions for which our Department was responsible.

Last week, I visited two drop-dead gorgeous tiny rural medieval churches. Thick rubble walls, small windows and a stout oak roof beams meant they were pleasantly cool in summer and mild in winter. They have sheltered generations of village worshippers and are still doing their job perfectly well today. True, the congregation would be silly to turn up in their shirt sleeves on a winter’s morning, but here are living examples of what low carbon buildings might be like and how low carbon occupants might dress!

Ian James is Diocesan Environment Advisor and NSM in the Winkfield Benefice.