7 minute read
for net zero
By Lottie Hayton
Sherborne Abbey is embarking on an ambitious project to update its energy supply, while remaining true to the heritage of the 1,300-year-old building. On May 9 work will begin on Sherborne Abbey’s threepart update to their energy supply; an existing inefficient gas boiler will be replaced, the underfloor heating, out of use for 40 years, will be reactivated and air source heat pumps will be installed to supplement the gas boilers. The installation of this new system will save an estimated 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) a year. The cost of the £233k project is covered by the Friends of Sherborne Abbey and Low Carbon Dorset, a five-year funding programme hosted by Dorset Council. Programme manager at Low Carbon Dorset, Heather Kiel said: “The Sherborne Abbey heat-pump project is an exemplar and shows that steps can be taken to reduce emissions even in the most challenging spaces.” Not without controversy… However, the age of the building and complexity of the programme has raised debate and it has taken nine months for the work to receive funding and approval from the Parochial Church Council Committee (PCC). The planned air source heat pumps (ASHPs), which will be sited on the roof of the Abbey and will take heat from the air around the building, are at the heart of this controversy. Mike Keatinge, chair of the fabric committee on the PCC, who voted against the project, cited the high costs and fact that ASHPs don’t run 100 per cent on sustainable energy as the reasons for his objections. Keatinge said: “If you look at the business of building up the supply of heat pumps we are the victim, putting money into it in order to get the system going. “It is an icon, it makes you look good but doesn’t actually achieve anything.” However, proponents of the technology point out that ASHPs run more efficiently and are powered by the national electricity grid, driven by approximately 40 per cent renewables, meaning their sustainability still surpasses that of nonrenewably fuelled gas boilers. Rector of Sherborne Abbey,
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Martin Lee said: “We are setting an example to the community and to our young people also, who are very keen on sustainability, it is important to be able to show them a project in our community which takes the environment very seriously.” Resolving the debate Despite the sceptics, Max Fordham LLP, the company that assessed the options for making Sherborne Abbey more sustainable, said in their report of April 2021 that the modest increase in annual energy costs with ASHPs would be outweighed by a significant reduction in carbon emissions. It would also be the starting point to help deliver a net zero Abbey in the future. Despite the challenges of working on such an old historic building, including requirements to reduce noise and limit impact on visual appearance, Sherborne Abbey actually offers a uniquely viable site for this project because they have rediscovered an undamaged existing underfloor heating system, which will works well with ASHPs. Stuart Wilson, engineer and partner at Max Fordham, said of the discovery: “It has been invaluable when archaeological and heritage concerns dictate that you have to work with such a building and not against it.” The Church of England, perceived by many as strongly attached to tradition seems to have embraced the new challenge of rapidly improving sustainability with the General Synod calling for all parts of the Church to be net zero carbon by 2030. While some may be sceptical that all churches, especially those in smaller rural parishes will be able to achieve this target, Rector Lee said: “I am delighted that Sherborne Abbey is leading the charge, we are fortunate in being in a position to do so.” More than an icon: The implications of this programme at Sherborne Abbey reach well beyond Dorset; in their Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, 2020, the government outlined their aim to reduce UK emissions by 180M tonnes of CO2e from 2023 to 2032 and reach net zero by 2050. In 2021, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy identified that among the several elements which would underpin this, committing to build the UK supply chain and reducing costs for heat pumps, phasing out gas boilers for heating, and ensuring that electricity is increasingly renewably generated were crucial. Wilson said: “There is a climate emergency going on to which there is no silver bullet but renewables and ASHPs are part of the solution. “Sherborne Abbey will be there for centuries and it has shown it will adapt to technologies that surround it.” By embarking on this project, the ancient Sherborne Abbey is positioning itself as a modern icon for sustainability, which could prompt those who can currently afford it to do the same, and with time, as costs reduce, help accelerate widespread adoption of more controversial solutions like ASHPs.
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New Blackmore Vale, 4th March 2022 Celebrating 50 Years as an Independent Furniture Retailer
David ventured into the furniture world after leaving school in 1965 joining JJ Allens in their furniture department as a trainee where he gained invaluable experience of the furniture trade.
In 1972 David & Annie established their family business and opened their first shop in Parley Cross Ferndown selling second hand furniture. In 1977 they opened a second showroom in Glenmoor Road, selling beds and bedroom furniture. As the company grew another showroom followed in Ham Lane Longham in 1982 selling lounge and dining room furniture. In 1992 they converted the ‘Welcome Lodge Motel’ on Ringwood Road into one showroom incorporating both furniture and bedroom departments. Since then, the business has grown into one of the most prestigious independent furniture retailers on the South Coast. They could not have envisaged that, now 50 years on, the company would grow to such an extent, still remaining a family business with their daughters Susie & Sarah joining the company in 1997 and 1998.
Throughout the 50 years they managed to maintain traditional values with very high standards of customer service along with an enviable reputation for exceptional quality and choice of stunning furniture ranges throughout the departments. The growth of David Phipp House Furnisher has been achieved by hard work and loyal staff, some of whom have been with the company for over 40 years.
During the year they will have celebratory offers in the showroom starting with Stressless at 50% OFF certain discontinued models throughout March! Keep a lookout on the website and Facebook for further 50th Anniversary Offers through the year!
We would like to thank our customers for their support over our successful 50 years of trading and welcome you to our 50th Year of celebrations!
KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR FURTHER 50TH ANNIVERSARY OFFERS!
David Phipp House Furnisher & Stressless Celebrate 50 Years!
Throughout the year we will have celebratory offers in the showroom starting with Stressless throughout March.
Discontinued models Save 50%
Tel: 01202 897474 / 893377 Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AL sales@davidphipp.co.uk
Offer available from 1st - 31st March 2022. While stocks last.
