A church is aiming to pioneer a way to make community buildings more environmentally friendly.

Under-floor heating and an insulation system have been installed at West Lane Baptist Church in Haworth, a grade two-listed building.

The energy efficiency scheme has been backed by the Bradford Environmental Action Trust and the LEADER, a programme which is overseeing a £2.5 million pot of cash to be spent on rural projects.

Minister, the Reverend Chris Upton, said it had made the 258-year-old building – which would have been familiar to the Bronte family living at the Parsonage in the mid-1800s – much more comfortable for the many groups that use it. The floor was cold, which wasn’t great for the toddlers who are using the building, or people taking part in yoga classes.

“We’ve also insulated the roof void of the mezzanine floor which has had an impact on noise levels and heat retention.”

The next project was to replace the windows with double-glazed units and clear glass. He hoped the project was an example to the community and that it would flag up sustainability.

The work by BEAT had involved an energy audit and a recommended number of actions.

Church member Rosie Broomhead said it was hoped that the work would lead to a reduction in energy bills. “This is quite a big building and it’s used by many different organisation including the Bronte Society and the Gilbert and Sullivan group “It’s over 250 years old and we have a responsibility to look after it.”

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