Mark Group

Faith Lodge

February 2008

The Customer

Faith Lodge is a residential hostel which is part of a Leeds housing project for people recovering from alcohol related difficulties. It opened in July 1954 and today helps more than 30,000 people every year, including victims of domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse.

The Challenge

Faith Lodge was undergoing a complete refurbishment programme and striving to be as energy efficient as possible. Through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, Faith Lodge challenged Mark Group to find a renewable technology solution to reduce the hostel’s carbon emissions and energy bills.

The Solution

Following a technical assessment, Mark Group recommended a Solar Hot Water (Solar Thermal) system for Faith Lodge and went on to install five Worcester Bosch FKC solar panels (a two and three panel system) on the roof of the hostel, angled to capture sunlight for the maximum amount of time each day.

The solar panels meant there would a constant supply of hot water throughout hostel, including its 15 bedrooms with ensuite facilities, as well as kitchens and washing machines. The system would also provide sufficient heat for all the hostel’s needs in the summer and a substantial contribution in the winter.

Faith Lodge is believed to be the first supported housing hostel of its type in the UK to become self-sustainable.

The Comments

Faith Lodge’s ‘green’ refurbishment has been praised by the Environment Secretary Hilary Benn (2008). He said: “I am really impressed by the environmental measures that have been installed as part of this restoration project. It shows what can be done to help the environment at the same time as helping the clients at Faith Lodge.”

Gary Stott, Chief Executive Officer of St George’s Crypt, added: “We are very excited at the refurbishment of Faith Lodge. Not only will we be able to provide real opportunities for our residents to learn vital new skills, but we will also be making a contribution to using energy at the hostel much more effectively.

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