Introduction
Quakers have a long-standing commitment to simplicity, care for creation, and sustainability. Our Meeting Houses can reflect these values through practical steps that reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and make our buildings more comfortable and efficient.
Improving the sustainability of Meeting Houses is a journey. Starting with small, affordable steps and gradually moving towards deeper change allows Meetings to live out Quaker testimonies in practical ways.
This guidance brings together advice from LQPT’s practice, BYM’s Sustainability guidance, and general sustainability best practice. It offers a staged approach: start with simple, cost-effective measures, then move on to medium-term projects, and finally consider long-term or radical changes.
Not all actions will apply to every building—especially listed ones—but every meeting can make progress. Each improvement—whether sealing a draught or installing solar panels—helps reduce our collective impact and ensures our buildings remain welcoming, warm, and fit for purpose for generations to come.
Remember that each Meeting House has a small yearly allowance to make small changes.
1. General Good Practice (Applies to All Meeting Houses)
- Heat only rooms in use; keep internal doors closed.
- Set room temperature to around 19°C and hot water to 60°C.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Use natural daylight wherever possible; keep windows clean and unobstructed.
- Read energy and water meters regularly (monthly if not smart metered) and consider displaying results to encourage awareness.
- Mend dripping taps and install water butts for garden use.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and replace old light fittings with LEDs and, where appropriate, automatic controls.
Service boilers yearly, this will improve their efficiency.
- Choose low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly planting, leave grass longer, and avoid mowing in May.
- When buying materials, prioritise renewable or sustainable sources (e.g., timber, water-based paints, green electricity if possible and available).
- Ask contractors about their sustainability policies before commissioning work.
2. Simple, Immediate Actions
These measures are cost-effective, reliable:
- Draught-proof windows, floors, and doors.
- Seek specialist advice if extensive draught proofing risks ventilation or mould problems.
- If desirable carpet floors, and use an underlay, to reduce heat loss and cover gaps.
- Insulate lofts to at least 270–300 mm using suitable materials (glass wool, rock wool, lamb’s wool).
- Fit lined curtains or blinds to retain warmth during winter evenings.
- Install or upgrade insulation for hot water tanks and pipes.
- Purchase energy from renewable suppliers while still economising on use.
- Form an environmental action group within the Meeting and explore schemes like Eco Church for learning and inspiration.
3. Medium-Term Improvements (to be added to the Planned Periodic Maintenance (PPM) works)
Once simple measures are in place, talk to the building surveyor when the PPM comes around to consider the following:
- Boiler replacement: upgrade if more than 10 years old or inefficient. Choose condensing gas boilers or if feasible heat pumps or explore alternatives.
- Heating controls: install flexible, remote, or “smart” controls with zoning, weather compensation, or optimum start functions. The use of Apps can help to avoid each hirer adjusting the heating settings.
- Experiment with different heating regimes if buildings feel cold or damp—monitor usage and comfort (consider Positive Ventilation Systems if appropriate).
- Double glazing (where appropriate), balancing costs and benefits.
- Wall or floor insulation, if possible, addressing damp issues first.
- Replace old appliances with more efficient versions.
- Continue upgrading lighting to full LED coverage.
- Movement sensors in corridors or shared areas.
- Install low-flush or dual-flush toilets.
- Where possible, re-design toilets to offer gender neutral and accessible options (see separate guidance on toilet labelling).
4. Longer-Term Strategies
These require more planning and investment. A vibrant active local Quaker community can start a conversation with LQPT staff and trustees to think of a future project that will bring radical change to the MH. Specific budgets and staff time may be allocated to bring a building to a new stance considering the following:
- Review room layout and usage to concentrate heating in fewer areas when possible.
- Develop a whole-building plan before major works: address insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and thermal bridging in an integrated way.
- Possible measures include:
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- Zoning parts of the building for different uses/seasons.
- Insulating walls and floors to high standards (if possible)
- Installing mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
- Creating an entrance “buffer” space or porch to reduce heat loss.
- Replacing all windows to double or triple glazing. Using frames with thermal breaks.
- Consider renewable energy generation, such as photovoltaic solar panels or heat pumps (ground or air source).
5. Beyond Heat and Light
Sustainability is wider than just energy efficiency:
- Collect rainwater for gardens.
- Encourage sustainable catering—consider vegetarian or plant-based food at Meeting events.
- Develop a travel plan: encourage walking, cycling (provide safe storage), lift-sharing, and use of public transport.
- Recycle what local authorities collect; compost garden waste if possible.
6. Radical Options
For some Meetings, more fundamental changes may be appropriate:
- Move towards a very airtight, highly insulated building with major refurbishment and professional guidance, in consultation with LQPT and trustees.
- Consider relocating to a modern, purpose-built sustainable building (e.g., Passivhaus standard).
- Always weigh the effectiveness of investing in the Meeting House against the possible future of the community that uses that Meeting House.
7. Support and Next Steps
- LQPT can advise and may include upgrades within the Planned Periodic Maintenance works.
- Talk to the Premises Support and Engagement Manager or the Building Surveyors. You can always contact LQPT at enquiries@lqpt.org