Outcomes from the study have helped the Cathedral identify which measures and opportunities are likely to have the greatest impact on reducing their overall emissions, and how these measures could be implemented within a holistic decarbonisation plan for the Cathedral estate. Although each building presents its own unique challenges, a feasibility plan was developed to enable the Cathedral to remove all fossil-fuel heating systems from its properties.

The historic nature of most buildings limits the scope for extensive fabric refurbishment to reduce energy demand. Instead, a strategy to re-provide the heating systems using low-carbon heat sources was identified as the most viable option for decarbonising the estate. Where opportunities exist to improve fabric, such as re-glazing and insulation in specific areas of external properties, the impact of these measures was quantified to inform the client.

The cathedral itself accounts for a significant proportion of the estate’s overall energy usage, presenting a significant challenge for decarbonisation, but our study identified options that could be considered and developed for future implementation. Reprovisioning the cathedral’s warm-air heating systems is feasible with a low-carbon heat source. Potentially feasible areas within the cathedral precinct where external equipment for air source heat pumps were identified as part of the study. All suggestions put forward for consideration were made with heritage implications as the project’s key focus and driver. JGC worked closely with key stakeholders to produce a viable decarbonisation plan that was challenging yet appropriate within the site constraints.

The Cathedral plans to utilise the study's outcomes to develop a scope and 6-year plan, initiate fundraising, and engage further engineering services to continue refining the designs.