In July 2020, the General Synod voted for the Church of England to achieve net zero carbon emissions. This vote acknowledged the global climate emergency as both a crisis for God’s creation and a fundamental injustice. Following this, a comprehensive plan called the Routemap to Net Zero was approved by the General Synod in July 2022. The Church Commissioners have committed £190 million from 2023 to 2031 to support all parts of the Church of England in reducing carbon emissions.
Since then, a Net Zero Carbon Programme Board and a dedicated central team have been established to provide support to dioceses, parishes, cathedrals, schools, and other buildings in their journey towards net zero carbon. You can read more about our progress in our latest Net Zero Impact report.
Watch the Net Zero Carbon Programme film
The Net Zero Programme is leading efforts to transition parsonages, working alongside the Pensions Board on retired clergy housing. Detailed surveys have been conducted to determine the best ways to adapt our residential properties, and church-wide guidance has been issued. Currently, ‘demonstrator’ projects are underway within the Pensions Board portfolio and across all dioceses.
Our initial focus is on energy efficiency and conservation. We will then plan our transition away from fossil fuels once the technology has been proven effective in our existing properties and with our customer demographic, ensuring that energy bills do not increase.
We aim to integrate our net zero efforts into our regular operations over the coming years, achieving net zero in a sustainable and sensible manner. If you want to learn more about environmental initiatives across the Church, please sign up for the Environment Bulletin.
