Exeter church leads the way with UK-first low-carbon heating system

An Exeter church is breaking new ground in the drive toward net zero, becoming the first in the UK to install an innovative low-carbon heating system that reuses its existing floor to slash emissions.

St Boniface Church in Whipton, a busy community hub that hosts toddler groups, coffee mornings, and local events, is trialling the system as part of the Church of England’s national Demonstrator Churches programme.

The initiative funds 114 churches across the country to test new ways of reducing carbon output, as part of efforts to reach net zero by 2030.

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The £180,000 project at St Boniface has been part-funded by the programme, with the rest raised locally through grants and community support.

Installed by JK Floorheating (whose UK office is based in Exeter) the system uses a Dutch-developed “groove-cutting” technique to lay 400 square metres of heating pipes directly into the existing church floor.

This avoids the need to dig up and rebuild the surface, cutting both carbon emissions and disruption.

Unlike traditional radiators that heat large air spaces, the underfloor system focuses warmth within the first three metres above ground — keeping people comfortable without wasting energy heating the high roof space.

The system will be powered by four air-source heat pumps, which will draw electricity from the church’s existing solar panels, creating a fully net-zero heating setup.

Reverend Carl Robinson, vicar of St Boniface, said the project represents both innovation and continuity for the 1950s church: “Our old boiler broke down two years ago, and we knew we couldn’t replace it with another fossil fuel system,” he said.

“This innovative underfloor system offered the long-term solution we needed. It feels fitting — the church had underfloor heating when it was first built, so it’s come full circle.”

“Now, we can keep our space warm and welcoming while moving towards being completely carbon neutral.”

Andy Butt, Technical Director of JK Floorheating’s Exeter office, said the technology was designed with community spaces in mind: “Too many heating systems in tall buildings waste energy heating dead space,” he said.

“Our system is designed to heat people, not rafters. It’s efficient, sustainable, and ideal for large community buildings like St Boniface.”

Church leaders hope the project will inspire other faith and community organisations to consider practical, low-carbon alternatives that support both comfort and sustainability.