We are here to help you take action on the environment. Amazing work is already taking place in churches across the country and we are well placed to share news, tips and resources. We work alongside Bishop Graham Usher, lead bishop on the environment. He shares his vision and priorities here.
See our latest infographic outlining our most recent work.
"Reducing the causes of climate change is essential to the life of faith. It is a way to love our neighbour and to steward the gift of creation."
Archbishop Justin Welby
Sign up to our newsletter for quarterly updates and take a look at our most recent issue to see what we're up to.
Net Zero Carbon declaration by General Synod
The Church of England’s General Synod in February 2020 set new targets for all parts of the church to work to become carbon ‘net zero’ by 2030.
Members voted for all parts of the Church of England to take action and ramp-up efforts to reduce emissions, and called for urgent steps to examine requirements to reach the new target, and draw up an action plan.
Read more about it, and the full wording of the motion, here.
Support and guidance on getting to Net Zero Carbon
A range of useful support has been issued since February:
- Read the "Practical Path to Net Zero for Church Buildings", guidance on heating principles, and on energy efficiency.
- Explore our interactive net zero carbon church, which links you through to relevant guidance.
- Read the national definition of Net Zero Carbon.
- Book onto our series of Net Zero Carbon webinars, or watch the videos of past topics (heating, solar panels, EV car charging, and far more).
- Use the Energy Footprint Tool to help you work out the carbon footprint of your church.
- Read these case studies to get inspired by what others have done.
- Read the joint statement by the Church Buildings Council and Cathedral Fabric Commission of England on how these issues will inform it's decisions and guidance.
- Read the best practice notes for architects and surveyors, describing how to integrate environmental matters into Quinquennial Inspections and into project work, issued jointly by the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and the Church of England Church Buildings Council.
- Find your local Diocesan Environment Officer.
COP26
The UN conference on Climate Change takes place in Glasgow from 1st to 12th November 2021. Here are some ways you and your church can get involved.
Hold a Climate Sunday between now and November, and commit to action on the climate. Find out more and don't forget to register your service.
Faith groups are calling for just and fair finance for people in countries suffering the worst effects of climate change. There's more information about our advocacy asks and how you can get involved at Make COP Count. And senior leaders across faith groups across the UK have called for action to match the urgency of the situation in this Glasgow Multi-faith Declaration.
With the latest report from the IPCC described as a 'code red' for humanity, could your church ring out its bells as a warning on the eve of COP26? Ringing is planned for Saturday 30th October, 6pm-6.30pm. Seek permission from your church and make sure you tell the local media and community why the bells are ringing.
