Press Release: Family Federation for World Peace and Unification Boosts Environmental Efforts at Historic Cleeve House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) is stepping up its environmental efforts with a major green energy project at Cleeve House, its historic property set in the heart ofWiltshire. In response to the escalating climate crisis and in line with the UK’s pressing targets for greenhouse gas reductions, Cleeve House is undergoing a green transformation designed to blend heritage preservation with cutting-edge sustainability showcasing practical, achievable ways to reduce emissions at a local level.
Built in 1857 and renowned for its charm and natural beauty, Cleeve House is a unique event venue surrounded by six and a half acres of scenic woodland and grass fields. The historic estate is popular for weddings, family retreats, and community gatherings. Now, it’s set to become a beacon of sustainable energy in the area.
With planning permission granted by Wiltshire Council, Cleeve House features 50 state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and four powerful air source heat pumps. This hybrid system will help power the venue’s many high-ceilinged rooms, spacious annexes, and function halls, reducing dependency on traditional heating methods and significantly lowering the building’s carbon footprint.
The launch of this project coincides with global discussions at the COP29 climate summit in Edinburgh, where world leaders, climate experts, and activists are gathered to negotiate stronger climate commitments. The summit has emphasised the critical need for local and community-led initiatives, alongside national policies, to address the escalating impacts of climate change. FFWPU’s work at Cleeve House demonstrates how organisations can take tangible steps towards achieving the net-zero targets discussed at COP29.
The initiative also aligns with findings highlighted by the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) recent report which stresses that the UK needs rapid investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and heat pump technology to help cut emissions by 81% by 2035. FFWPU’s project at Cleeve House is aligned with this vision. Working with a local engineer and company which specialises in PVT panel technology, FFWPU has devised a sophisticated heating network designed to keep the house off-grid for most of the year. This innovative solution will also cut down on LPG use during colder months, while a newly installed zoning system ensures optimal energy efficiency by allowing selective heating throughout the venue.
Dr Michael Balcomb, Director of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (UK)
“FFWPU has a number of properties throughout the UK and Cleeve House is where we are starting to work on our environmental impact. We are committed to implementing innovative and sustainable solutions, not only to manage costs but also to be part of the UK’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility. With stark climate statistics facing us, we recognise the importance of doing our part to support a greener future. We hope Cleeve House can serve as a model for how heritage properties can preserve history while embracing forward-thinking environmental technology. These renewable energy upgrades reflect the Family Federation’s commitment to becoming part of the solution, addressing both local energy needs and contributing to national and global climate goals. The Family Federation’s initiative at Cleeve House highlights the important role that organisations and historic properties can play in the drive toward a low-carbon future.”
Media Contact
For more information on Cleeve House and the Family Federation’s sustainability initiatives, or to book an interview please contact Emma Rushton at Roseleigh Media on
roseleighmedia@gmail.com and copy in pr@ffwpu.org.uk
Notes for Editor
Cleeve House is located near Devizes, Melksham, and Trowbridge, Wiltshire. It has been an integral part of the local community since the 19th century.
The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification operates Cleeve House as part of its mission to promote peace and family values, reinvesting revenue to maintain the venue and support various community and family-focused events.
The recent improvements at Cleeve House follow recommendations by the UK’s Climate Change Committee, which has urged greater investment in renewable energy and heat pump systems to reduce emissions in line with the UK’s net-zero target for 2050.
The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, previously known as the Unification Church was founded by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in 1954.
It became known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) in 1997 and aimed to be a new broader based evolution of the Unification Community as an alliance of people who generally share the vision of building God-centred families as the basis for healthy communities, stable societies and a peaceful world.
When Sun Myung Moon, the founder, was just 15, Jesus Christ revealed to him that the end of the age was fast approaching. Moon took the revelation to churches in Korea but they were dismissive. He gained a small group of followers and preaching in the Communist-held northern part of Korea resulted in his being thrown into a harsh labour camp. On his eventual release, he fled as a refugee to South Korea, where he met his wife, Hak Ja Han Moon (or Mother Moon.) The couple were married in 1960 and continued their public ministry together.
The church’s mass weddings began in the 1960’s with just a few dozen couples getting married, but this has grown over the following years to the ceremony it is today.
