ONE of the region’s great seats of worship has been awarded Silver status by a national environmental and ecological scheme for churches.

The award was presented to York Minster yesterday at a service held in the presence of the Archbishops of York and Canterbury and members of the General Synod.

The Eco Church scheme is operated by A Rocha UK – a Christian charity doing practical nature conservation and education with local communities and motivating others to care for the environment. York Minster achieved Eco Church Bronze status in 2015.

The Silver award recognises strategic and sustained action across the Minster to minimise and reduce the environmental impact of the cathedral’s activities.

Actions have included: replacing all halogens in the nave with low energy LED system which uses only a quarter of the electricity of the old system, fitting low energy bulbs throughout the cathedral and properties and installation of smart electricity meters.

Motion control lighting now automatically turns lights off when rooms are empty and 90 per cent of goods are bought locally to reduce fuel and energy transportation costs.

Secondary glazing has been fitted to properties to conserve and new high efficiency gas boilers with modern control systems have been installed.

The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull, said: “The improvement in position to the Silver award came not from a short burst of action but from recognising the many actions we have been taking and continue to take with regard to our sustainability and the impact we have on our planet.

“We are committed to reducing our energy usage, using sustainable materials and exercising good guardianship in all we do.”

Rich Bee, engagement director for A Rocha UK, presented the award and said: “Such commitment to caring for God’s earth, particularly in light of the age and heritage of York Minster’s buildings, is what Eco Church was conceived to encourage.

“I look forward to hearing more of the Minster’s ongoing environmental work. Hopefully I will be back to present a Gold award in the future.”