As a faithful response to the climate crisis, the Diocese of Newcastle is aiming to reduce our carbon emissions to net zero by 2030. One of the major causes of climate change is carbon dioxide emissions, which act as a greenhouse gas, trapping the heat of the sun. ‘Net zero’ carbon means carbon emissions that are eliminated/balanced with the use of renewables and carbon removal.
Below you can find resources for how your church can play a part in the Church of England’s aim to become carbon neutral and there is information and guidance on the Church of England Net Zero Carbon Church webpage.
For advice on heating and energy, talk to our Renewable Heating & Energy Adviser, Robin Talbot.
Net Zero Quick Wins Grant
Churches looking to reduce their carbon emissions are able to apply to the Diocese for a Net Zero Quick Wins grant. These grants are available to help fund small scale decarbonisation projects, such as new LED lighting, pew heaters, insulation or updating electricity supplies.
Contact Tim Lewthwaite at cbso@newcastle.anglican.org for more details.
Application form for Net Zero Quick Wins Grant.
The Energy Footprint Tool
- The Energy Footprint Tool is part of the Church of England online Parish Returns System. Clergy and church treasurers complete this each year with information about the energy use of the church, using the church’s electricity and gas/oil bills. The tool calculates your churches’ carbon emissions from energy use and gives a carbon emissions (CO2) rating.
Practical Path to Net Zero for church buildings
This short guide has been developed by the Church of England based on information from energy audits of churches. The Practical Path to Net Zero for Church Buildings, sets out where most churches should start, and more advanced projects for churches who use more energy.
Webinars
Housekeeping and quick wins for saving energy in your church
For some energy-saving tips that are quick and easy to implement, which you can start to do in the next few weeks and months, take a look at this list compiled from the webinar presented by Matt Fulford from Inspired Efficiency, sustainability advisor at Gloucester Diocese, for the Church of England National Environment Programme Carbon Net Zero webinar programme. You can watch the full training session online here.
Energy audit
Usually an energy audit involves an onsite energy survey, with an energy surveyor visiting the church for a couple of hours. From the information they gather they will write a report, the contents of which will depend on the energy audit provider, but will provide an assessment of your current energy use and carbon emissions, and a list of recommendations to reduce these with some indicated costs.
If you are seeking funding from grants organisations for works to your church building, an energy audit is great evidence to include in your application.
Switch to a renewable tariff
This action can have the greatest impact to cut your net carbon footprint. Switch to 100% renewable electricity and biogas tariffs for example through Parish Buying’s energy basket or the Green Journey scheme. Whilst this does not reduce the energy you use, it means the energy you use is from a renewable source, and reduces your carbon footprint a significant amount. Dependent on your church’s activities, you may find after you switch to a renewable tariff that your church’s emissions are close to net zero carbon.
Parish Buying for Net Zero 2030
Parish Buying has launched Parish Buying - Net Zero 2030 developing a suite of net zero solutions, such as a pilot solar PV panels and heat pumps etc. replacing conventional utility sources with ‘green’ alternatives and approved supplier products for church use.
360 Carbon
360°carbon is a carbon calculator if you would like to calculate your church’s greenhouse gas emissions in more detail, to include other aspects of your mission and worship such as travel, food and waste.
Other guidance on energy and church buildings
- Heating principles - If you are considering changing your church heating system download the church heating checklist to help you review what is needed for the space and use of your building and take a look at the training webinar on choosing the best heating solution for your church
- Energy efficiency
- First Steps Toward a Sustainable Building