Church of England Allocates £20M for Carbon Reduction

Key Points

• Over £20 million for carbon reduction in parishes and schools.
• Reduce energy emissions by 2030.
• Funding for various projects and initiatives, including schools and local churches.

Over £20 million has been given to dioceses to support parishes and schools in reducing carbon, says the Church of England.

The Net Zero Carbon 2030 Report is the first since the Net Zero Programme was launched last year by the church.

The programme aims to enable and support all parts of the Church to reduce carbon emissions from energy used in buildings, schools and transport by 2030.

Following are the highlights of the report:

• £14.5m for projects and grants.
• £6.5m in funded projects and signed grants.
• 100 clergy and retired clergy house retrofit surveys were completed.
• A £2.4m "Quick Wins" fund for small projects, including LED installations and double glazing.
• Support for 114 churches to become Demonstrator Churches, each with extra funding to be a model in their area.
• A £2m National Framework for Schools Decarbonisation to help Church of England schools access external funding and deliver net zero projects.
• 4,865 churches are now part of A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme to get their eco journey started.

Bishop Graham Usher, the Church of England’s Environment Bishop, said: “This report shows the progress the Church of England has made towards the target set by General Synod to be net zero carbon by 2030. This is addressing the climate crisis and a sustainable future.”

Bishop Usher said every environmental action, from solar panels to churchyard wildlife, is caring for the planet and reducing costs and increasing sustainability.

The report features churches like St Denys in Southampton, which has saved thousands on its energy bills by making small changes. These changes included replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs, triple-insulated urns instead of kettles and automatic timers for heating and lighting.

Julian Atkins, Net Zero Programme Director, says: “Look at what’s happening across the country. Many churches, cathedrals and schools are making great progress in reducing their carbon emissions. Small changes can make a big impact.”

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Source: The Church of England