Green energy tariffs: what's changing for your church?

One practical way many churches can take a step on that journey is by choosing a genuine green energy tariff. If your church has been thinking about switching to a greener energy supplier, you might have come across both green electricity and green gas tariffs. 

As our understanding has developed, we've updated the way we talk about green gas as part of the Church of England's journey to net zero carbon. 

As a Programme, our understanding of the energy market has improved, and we want to make sure the Church of England's carbon reporting is accurate and in line with international standards. 

Here's what that means for your church 

Firstly, the good news. Choosing green electricity still makes a real difference. 

That's because the UK's electricity system is changing rapidly. Every year, more of our electricity comes from renewable and low-carbon sources like wind and solar power. That's why switching to renewable electricity helps support the transition to a low-carbon grid.  

To help churches navigate what can be a confusing market, the Church of England worked with sustainability experts Turner & Townsend to develop a robust Green Tariff Definition. We assessed suppliers not only on whether they provide genuinely renewable electricity, but also on their wider environmental and ethical practices. 

Only tariffs that provide genuinely renewable electricity are included in the Energy Footprint Tool, giving churches confidence that their choice is making a genuine difference. For more info about choosing a supplier, please see our resources here. 
 
Our new Green Tariff definition is speaking prophetically into how the energy market should – and can – do better for people and the planet, in line with our Christian values and beliefs.   

Why is green gas different? 

Unlike electricity, the gas network isn't becoming low carbon at the same pace. 

Today, almost all the gas flowing through the UK's gas grid is still fossil gas. Some suppliers offer ‘green gas’ tariffs, which work by adding biomethane, a renewable gas made from organic waste, into the network somewhere else, matching the amount of gas you use. The gas arriving at your church is still the same mixture that everyone receives. 

These tariffs can still support renewable gas production, but because there is only a very limited supply of biomethane, they aren't a long-term solution for reaching net zero carbon. 

For these reasons, international carbon reporting standards do not currently recognise green gas tariffs as reducing a building's carbon emissions and therefore the Church of England no longer does either. 

The Energy Footprint Tool  

From the 2025 reporting year onwards, the Energy Footprint Tool will no longer calculate a carbon reduction simply because a church has chosen a green gas tariff. 

This doesn't mean green gas is "bad", or that churches made the wrong decision in the past. It simply reflects the latest evidence and helps ensure our carbon reporting is honest, robust and consistent. 

Can churches still choose a green gas tariff? 

We know replacing gas heating isn't something most churches can do overnight, and many parishes will continue using gas while they plan future heating upgrades.