How York Minster is protecting the environment and preserving ancient crafts - Greg Wright

It took a further 250 years for the York Minster we know today to reach completion, with its decorated Gothic nave and chapter house.

The Minster has survived fires, wars and revolutions. It has been a steadfast presence on a York skyline which has changed little over the centuries.

But ancient, sacred buildings must move with the times. It’s heartening to discover that the Minster and the historic buildings around it are doing their bit to reduce global warming while ensuring skilled workers are retained in Yorkshire.

The Minster has its own Neighbourhood Plan which aims to provide a sustainable future for the Minster and its seven-hectare estate in the heart of the city.

These proposals received a boost when plans to convert and refurbish 1 Deangate in the Minster Precinct were approved by the City of York Council, which means the historic building will become offices and welfare facilities for the Minster’s visitor experience staff and volunteers.

It is the third time planning permission has been granted for renewable energy projects linked to York Minster’s decarbonisation strategy.

Councillors have also approved proposals for photovoltaic and solar panels on the roofs of the cathedral’s South Quire Aisle and the new Refectory restaurant.

The 1 Deangate retrofit project will see the addition of water efficiency equipment and air-source heat pumps to reduce its impact on the environment.

To quote, the Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington: “Retrofitting our historical buildings is supported by a recent report commissioned by the National Trust, Historic England and other leading property organisations which found that improving the energy efficiency of aged properties could reduce carbon emissions from the UK’s buildings by five per cent each year, while making them cheaper to run.”

The centrepiece of the plan is York Minster’s centre of excellence for heritage craft skills and estate management, which is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

It aims to establish a world class campus for research, education and training in ancient craft skills.

It means the art of stonemasonry will continue to flourish in the heart of York, just as it did in the 13th century.

It’s the perfect way of honouring the medieval craftsmen who toiled for decades to create the Minster.

There will also be a global dimension to the centre’s work, as it forges partnerships with cathedrals worldwide, who will all require specialist help to repair historic buildings in a sensitive manner.

It’s a move that can only strengthen York city centre’s bid for Unesco World Heritage status.

It shows the Minster is a truly multi-faceted place, a centre for worship at the heart of a community which is planning for a prosperous, sustainable future.

Greg Wright is the deputy business editor of The Yorkshire Post