The existing lights at St John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral are about 18 years old and have reached the end of their life.
Members of the clergy hope to replace the 300w and 150w lamps with more environmentally-friendly and sustainable LED lights.
In a bid to raise funds, the church has asked member of its congregation to donate money to the project.
Rev Pat Limacher, cathedral deacon, said: “It’s vital that we replace the lights and although we have money in the cathedral, the money needed probably accounts for almost half our reserves which is a massive big lump. The more we can raise from appeals, the better we are.”
The new lights will reduce the cathedral’s energy consumption from more than 14kw/hour to less than 4kw/hour, a reduction of more than 70pc.
The scheme will also result in a saving of more than 36,00kg of CO2 per year being released into the atmosphere.
It is the second major environmentally-friendly project at the cathedral in so many years. In September 2010, a £430,000 biomass heating system was installed.
The two projects will boost the cathedral’s credentials as one of the first eco-cathedrals in the country.
To donate to the project, there are envelopes available at the cathedral. Cheques should be made payable to ‘St John’s Cathedral’.