Case studies and news stories
The Church of England has a number of case studies to inspire you and give you practical ideas for your own church.
Read diocesan news stories here.
Sustainable church buildings
You probably already do a lot to maintain your church building - try to think about how you can incorporate into your existing maintenance choices that are good for the environment.
For more information on maintaining and reordering your church building to be more sustainable:
- Contact your inspecting architect
- Get advice on your building from the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the care of churches (DAC)
- For specific guidance on aspects of your church building, search online on Church Care.
Funding
A helpful resource is the Church of England Fundraising for Net Zero page
Church of England - A guide to net zero carbon grants
Parish Resources has compiled a regularly updated national list of charitable grants for churches, which includes environmental projects (scroll down to number 4).
Parish Buying has also put together a collection of funding options that provide support to faith organisations looking to reduce their carbon footprint: Parish Buying Net Zero - Financial Assistance.
As well as looking at national funders, keep an eye out for any grant funding that is available locally, please see the Generous Giving Fundraising page or contact the Generous Giving team.
Cycle racks for churches
Churches and charities in Newcastle council areas can apply for free bike racks through Park that Bike. You can apply online here.
However, this does not cover installation so you may want to think about which type of bike rack would best suit your church! To see the different types of bike racks available and the installation for each click here.
Permission is required for such interventions but usually not a faculty, so please contact the DAC Secretary, Lucy Burfield for advice.
Campaigning
The Climate Emergency Toolkit
This is a route map for your church or organisation to declare a climate emergency and respond to the climate crisis. Step by step, the Climate Emergency Toolkit guides your church through simple, powerful actions to prepare, declare and have an impact in your community.
You can download the pack or for more information click here.
Young Christian Climate Network
The Young Christian Climate Network is a community of Christians in the UK aged 18-30, choosing to follow Jesus in the pursuit of climate justice. The ecumenical network has members from the Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Quaker traditions.
Follow YCCN on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@YCCNetwork).
Charities and organisations
Climate change and pollution impacts the poorest in our local and global community, many Christian organisations are engaged in campaigning for climate justice:
- Tearfund works with local partner churches to help beat poverty and the impact of climate change.
- Christian Aid runs campaigns petitioning parliament and supporting research and work across the world into the effects of climate change.
- Hope for the Future provides training and support for churches to engage with their local MP about climate change.
- Operation Noah is a Christian charity working with the Church to inspire action on the climate crisis.
- Green Christian supports various campaigns, currently these include topics such as sustainable economics, climate emergency, fair trade and organic products and protecting endangered habitats in the rainforest.
- A Rocha UK’s Wild Christian scheme practical actions for individuals and families to explore the connection between Christian faith and the natural environment.