Getting off gas

At the 2023 Assembly, and VicTas Synod 2023 just winding up, it was resolved that the UCA and agencies will achieve a net zero emissions by 2040 (or earlier). This has a specific challenge for GWUC because of our gas usage, and I would like to propose the following.

WarrenGreenwood proposed that we discuss these possibilities at PropertyCommittee, ChurchCouncil and FinanceGroup with the intent that by the next Congregational meeting in 2024, we can place before our members this plan.

I propose a planned and financially sensible approach to this matter, recognizing what electric (either solar supported or not) alternatives are available to us in the following manner.

Warren also make suggestions about batteries and water storage, that are not included on this page.

Gas consumer

Description and comments

Date proposed

Costings & Benefits

Gas heater Room 1

Because we have reversal cycle air conditioning in room 1, we could remove the gas heater immediately.

2024

Gas hotplates in Church kitchen

In 2024 we could replace the church gas hotplates with electric tops (x2) as that could be absorbed in our existing budget. Concerns over pacemaker interference. Small benefit, but visible sign to congregation

2024

Gas heaters in rooms 2 & 3

Replace them and the existing A/c units (that are 15 plus years old and cooling only) with efficient reverse cycle Inverter A/c units.

2025

Current cost around $2,500 per room. Total cost around $5,000 plus cost of removing gas heaters.

Gas cooktops in the manses (and the oven/gas top in 19 Southdown)

Replace with all electric cooking

2026

Instant gas solar hot water boosters in both 17 and 15 Southdown manses.

Replace with heat pump storage heaters. This could be done with minimal disruption to the occupants. 19 SD has all electric hot water.

2026

Gas ducted heating in 19 Southdown

Replace with an electric alternative. They have reverse cycle a/c in the lounge dining already.

2027

Gas ducted heating in 15 and 17 Southdown manses

This will require installing reverse cycle a/c in those manses which may also give us the opportunity to remove the Evaporative cooling.

2028 and 2029

Warren:<<BR>> In 2030 budget, we could install solar on 19 Southdown ave manse.

If during that time, govt subsidies or other opportunities arose to do these things earlier, we could/should take them like we did with existing A/c units in the foyer/fellowship area of the church complex.

We could also begin to look at solar batteries for the GWUC complex (and manses) to further leverage our panels and bring down our costs, and emissions to zero. But 3 Phase power batteries are considerable more expensive than domestic. Currently, we are generally ineligible for govt rebates on these matters, but there are opportunities available.

At an appropriate time with each of the gas removals above, we should then also cap off and remove the inbound gas connection and meters.

By the above schedule, we could afford to do it and achieve a net zero position by removing reliance on gas, earlier than the UCA target in a responsible manner. As a 2024 project we should get indicative quotes for budget purposes.

A schedule such as this, also shows to our congregation, and the wider community that we are serious in this matter and also enables the Treasurer to sensibly support and fund these projects.

I propose we discuss these possibilities at Property, Church Council and Finance with the intent that by the next Congregational meeting in 2024, we can place before our members this plan. I am willing to sponsor these projects and with other Property team members, oversee the works.

David:<<BR>> The "church" is already carbon negative. FY23 data at the bottom of EcoTaskHomePage shows that our exported electrical energy more than covers our gas for the church, as distinct from the manses. I do not think that we have collected data for them. But I stongly support planning to get of gas. I am willing to help in the process.

For the manses, the big consumers are ducted heating and hot water. Perhaps this should move them up the priority. Of course, failure of the existing systems may well change the priority.