St Mary the Less, the Chapel of St John's College, Durham, has recently completed the installation of air source heat pumps to power underfloor heating throughout the building, marking a significant step forward in the College’s environmental sustainability work.
“For me, it’s about leaving the estate in a better condition environmentally than we inherited it, and that is hugely rewarding.”
– Ian Jackson, Facilities Manager
With origins in the twelfth century and a long history at the heart of the Durham peninsula, the Chapel is one of the city’s oldest surviving places of worship. As a Grade II listed building within the Durham World Heritage landscape, integrating modern low-carbon technology into such a historic setting presented both technical and conservation challenges. The project demonstrates how careful stewardship of heritage buildings can sit alongside long-term environmental responsibility.
The new system removes the Chapel’s dependence on gas heating and, together with renewable electricity, substantially reduces its carbon footprint while improving the consistency and comfort of heating within the space. The project forms part of the College’s wider commitment to the sustainable management of its historic estate for future generations.
"St Mary the Less is a remarkable ancient and holy building. I am thrilled that it has been possible to install hear pumps to keep it warm. The pumps are incredibly discreet, hidden around the back of the building where no-one goes, and they are very quiet. This project brings together the best in ecclesiastical heritage with modern engineering in the service of Christian worship that embodies a proper commitment to ecology and sustainability.”
– The Right Revd Dr Robert Innes, President of St John’s College Council
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