In February 2020, General Synod recognised the climate emergency and voted to set a target for the whole Church of England of achieving 'net zero' carbon by 2030.
This commitment requires us all to take action to reduce our carbon footprint. This will involve making material changes to our buildings and adopting new behaviours that both reduce our energy use and switch usage to renewable sources.
The Lichfield Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) supports the goal for all church buildings in the diocese to achieve net zero by 2030.
Case studies and webinars
As a starting point to the subject, PCCs are encouraged to consult the following up-to-date Church of England resources:
- Net zero carbon: answering the call (5-minute video hosted on YouTube):
- Net zero carbon and environmental case studies (videos and text-based examples)
- Webinars on getting to net zero carbon (including recordings of previous webinars)
Net zero carbon church
No one church could, or should, do everything. Every church is unique and the right combination of actions for your church will need careful consideration. Some are quick wins, others will need careful planning, expert advice, and fundraising.
Net zero carbon church
To explore the kinds of changes that can help your church cut its carbon footprint, the Church of England has developed a dedicated web page on the net zero carbon church. It is recommended that parishes visit this online hub at any early stage, which includes:
- interactive diagrams
- links to guidance
- net zero webinar recordings
- case studies
The hub page also includes key resources on buildings and energy efficiency from external organisations, including Historic England, and A Rocha UK's Eco Church.
Church of England Routemap
With the Routemap, we see a future in 2030 where the buildings of the Church will be warm, bright and welcoming, powered by renewable energy and using low or zero carbon technologies for heat and light... To meet Synod's target, our focus needs to be on reducing the energy use of our buildings.
Routemap to Net Zero Carbon by 2030
The Church of England has undertaken extensive consultation with dioceses and other stakeholders on a Routemap to Net Zero Carbon by 2030, which details how this national target can be reached. The final (post-consultation) version of the Routemap was endorsed by General Synod in July 2022.
The Routemap includes milestones for church buildings, which are recommended to be undertaken by parishes by specific years between 2022–30, including early and ongoing participation in the Church of England's Energy Footprint Tool, to measure each church's individual carbon footprint.
Calculating your carbon footprint
The Energy Footprint Tool allows all churches around the country to enter their utility bills and find out their 'carbon footprint'.
Energy Footprint Tool
To calculate your church's carbon footprint there are two tools available. Start with the Church of England's simple Energy Footprint Tool (EFT). The EFT is available to all churches using the Online Parish Returns System. It reopened in February 2024 for parishes to enter their 2023 utility bills, and remained open until 31st July 2024.
The EFT only takes a few minutes and lets you calculate the carbon footprint from your use of electricity, oil and gas. One of its great benefits is that once you have entered your data and clicked to confirm, it will display an immediate report and results.
Then, if you are keen and want to go further, use 360°carbon by Climate Stewards to calculate the whole carbon footprint of energy, transport, food and purchases.
Taking the practical path
These recommendations aim to help churches reduce their energy use and associated carbon emissions. They are based on the findings of our church energy audit programme and input from of a range of professionals in the field.
Practical Path to Net Zero Carbon for Churches
The Church of England has also published a 'practical path' to net zero carbon for churches, setting out where most churches should start, and more advanced projects for churches who use more energy.
The recommendations in this short, two-page guidance note aim to summarise how churches can reduce their energy use and associated carbon emissions.
A great first step for your church is to complete the self-guided checklist, against all the steps in the Practical Path to Net Zero Carbon for Churches guidance note.
Once you have finished your review, discuss the results in your PCC and agree next steps.
The completed checklist will also be a useful attachment in future applications for permission for changes to your church building in relation to net zero.
Getting help...
If you have any queries regarding the following initiatives, please contact the respective diocesan officer:
Energy Footprint Tool:
Christine Rier, Church Buildings Support Officer (CBSO)
01543 222416 christine.rier@lichfield.anglican.org
Eco Church:
Jan Firth, Net Zero Carbon Officer
07896 194273 jan.firth@lichfield.anglican.org