12 October 2023 , 13:42
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The Church of England has splashed out £30 million in a bid to reach net zero by 2030. This investment will benefit thousands of churches, cathedrals, clergy houses and other buildings across England. The funding is part of the first phase of a series of grants and projects under the Net Zero Carbon Programme.
Dioceses, parishes and schools can tap into this fund to help cut carbon emissions from their buildings. This could involve improving energy efficiency or switching to cheaper renewable energy sources.
Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, who leads the Church's environmental efforts, said: "The ambition to be net zero by 2030 is at the core of the Church of England's response to the climate crisis to help safeguard God's creation and achieve a just world." He added that "Climate change is hitting the poorest people of the world hardest." and stressed that "We are already seeing the devastating effects of climate change and we must act now."
The 600 churches in England with the highest energy use will get fully funded energy audits. These come with small grants to create action plans and kickstart green projects. Additionally, another 1,000 churches can apply for subsidised audits.
The programme will also offer "quick wins" grants for small-scale work in churches, such as installing LED lighting or alternative heating solutions.
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Elsewhere, a "pilot and evaluation fund" will support the trialling of new net zero carbon technologies, the Church said.
Packages of technical and fundraising support will be available for "demonstrator churches", who can lead the action for other churches by sharing their own success in reducing carbon emissions.
In terms of other buildings, the programme will fund detailed energy surveys on cathedrals and more than 100 Church of England clergy houses across four dioceses, representing various housing types and uses.
The Church said these surveys will help dioceses and cathedrals understand what is needed to achieve their net zero carbon ambitions.
Julian Atkins, Net Zero Carbon Programme director with the Church Commissioners, said: "The announcement today represents the first major milestone of the Church of England's Net Zero Carbon Programme, and there is much more to come."
"There will be more details on how dioceses and parishes can apply for support in the coming weeks and months and what we learn during this phase will inform the future phases of our work."
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