St Albans United Reformed Church (URC) was formed at the start of 2023 when the three URCs in St Albans amalgamated to form one church which operates on two sites – Greenwood on Watford Road, Chiswell Green and Homewood – on Homewood Road, St Albans.
St Albans United Reformed Church has committed to try and become Carbon Net Zero by 2030. While they acknowledge this is a bold target, they believe it will act as a key motivator to reach their sustainability goals. The Church has been working to obtain their Eco Church accreditation from the A Rocha Eco Church Program and obtained the Bronze Award in 2024. They are now working towards their Silver Award.
Greenwood Site Renovation Story
St Albans URC has recently reopened their Greenwood site following a large scale retrofit of the building which focused on preserving a much-appreciated community hub and ensuring it will be sustainable for future generations to worship, hold community projects and events, and provide a green space for nature to thrive.
The building project has created a highly efficient community building installing:
- Solar panels, meaning the building now uses 100% renewable energy.
- Reducing heat loss with new installation in the roof and walls, changing to double glazed windows and using infrared heating mechanisms.
The project is also supporting local nature to thrive with:
- A wildflower meadow
- Installation of bat, house sparrow and other bird boxes.
- A bug hotel
To find out more about all the excellent sustainable action that the St Albans URC is taking and check out what community events are being held in this highly sustainable community hub visit their website.
Thank you to St Albans URC for showing us around!