Feedback from our warmth and energy survey

Portsmouth Cathedral’s Senior Management Team (comprised of the Dean, the Canons Precentor and Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer) have decided to delay turning on the heating until 1 November, and heating the Cathedral to 16 degrees as opposed to 18 degrees, as in previous years. This decision has been made in reviewing rising energy costs, as well as our commitment to reduce the Cathedral's carbon footprint.

The response to our recent Warmth Survey saw support from the congregation for a reduction in how warm the Cathedral is kept over the winter months. Each one degree reduction also saves approximately 7% on energy use so it is an important contribution to caring for God's creation.

The Cathedral will also test the use of electric seat warmers especially for the Shop Volunteers and Guides. We are also looking at provision of some blankets for use during services. Other ideas are most welcome - please email info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk.

This revision of our heating strategy is in line those of other cathedrals, some of which have decided not to turn on the heating at all this winter.

Dean Anthony says, "We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly over the course of this Winter. Like in our own homes where we will be putting on an extra layer rather just than turning up the thermostat this year, we will need to adjust what we wear in the Cathedral - keeping jackets on and in the case of the clergy and choir, wearing an extra layer under our cassocks for the coming months."

Learn more about the how we’re reducing our carbon footprint here →