Sustainability Report

St Leonard’s Church features a low-carbon porch extension constructed with sustainably sourced glulam timber, a renewable material with low embodied carbon. This engineered timber allows for long spans with minimal material waste.

Original choir stall fronts were salvaged and repurposed as the new cafe counter, reducing the need for new joinery.

Minimal interventions to the existing Grade II-listed structure ensured that the embodied carbon in the original materials was preserved.

Sustainability at St Leonard’s Church

• The interior was upgraded with an air source heat pump and underfloor heating, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This improves thermal comfort while minimising operational carbon emissions.
• The standing seam roof is made from VMZINC PLUS. This durable, recyclable metal has a service life of up to 100 years. 
• Zinc is fully recyclable at the end of its life and requires minimal maintenance, which reduces its environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.
• The new porch structure includes modern insulation methods that are compatible with the heritage building fabric. Airtightness and thermal efficiency are enhanced without compromising the church’s historic character.