(or continue with implementation if already registered)

Eco Church special instructions for registering guidance.

The EcoChurch programme encompasses Worship and teaching, Stewardship of Buildings and Land, Lifestyle, and Global and community outreach.

It is a useful starting point for engaging congregations on personal aspects of carbon emissions reduction and care for creation. Although it has UK roots, the programme is adaptable to churches of many different contexts. Many churches in the Diocese already have useful experience to share.

To explore Eco-Church specifically for the Diocese in Europe, explore the resources on this page.

An LEO is a motivator and champion of Caring for Creation in the chaplaincy's activities.

They are supported by information, contact and useful resources from the Diocesan and Archdeaconry Environment Officers.

A draft LEO role outline can be found at the bottom of this page.

When you have appointed your LEO, put them in touch with your Archdeaconry Environment Officer / Diocesan Environment Officer.

Measuring your carbon footprint and understanding the sources of emissions is an important step to reducing it. The Diocese in Europe recommends Climate Stewards 360Carbon (360carbon.org) as the tool to do this.

360Carbon Travel Footprint Guidance

Preparing data for 360Carbon

Links to resources to help with this are available on the Diocese in Europe website starting with  practical tips and will be supplemented with further guidance to support chaplaincies. One key area for churches to consider in carbon reduction plans is heating – we may need to think about ‘heating the people not the buildings’.  Specific webinars on heating for churches are available from the Church of England Environment website.

Where churches or other properties are managed by chaplaincies, a review of lighting systems and installation of energy efficient lighting should be undertaken if not already in place. LEDs, motion sensors and many other options are available which can lead to greatly improved energy efficiency  (and lower bills!) 

All chaplaincies which are able to choose their own energy provider are encouraged to switch to a 100% renewable electricity tariff.  Some locations may also have green gas options (biogas). If your church rents or shares premises, a conversation with your landlords / hosts about choice of energy provider is encouraged.

December 2024

Do you have small eco-friendly projects for your church? Maybe fixing an ill fitting door; draughtproofing windows; replacing light bulbs with LED; installing smart/thermostatic radiator valves. It’s up to you to tell us what you need and how it will help you.

The Church of England Net Zero Carbon Programme has awarded the Diocese in Europe £48,850 to fund “Quick Wins” in churches and church halls – small investments that will reduce carbon emissions.

Grants of up to €3000 per chaplaincy are available . Fill in the easy application form by 31st January 2025 to apply! You can download it from the very bottom of this page. 

• www.preachingforgodsworld.org - primarily for all preachers but the thoughts and reflections offered for each Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary are for anyone interested in how the Bible speaks to us on caring for the whole of creation – people and planet. The readings are viewed through the lens of the Anglican Five Marks of Mission.
   
• Green Christian Green Christian – Ordinary Christians, extraordinary times
   
• At your service – Creation care resources for your church, by A Rocha International (arocha.org)
   
• Iona Community Resources - The Iona Community
   
• EcoCongregation Scotland Greening Worship (ecocongregationscotland.org)
   

• EcoChurch - An A Rocha UK Project
   
• CofE Energy Footprint Tool Energy Footprint Tool | The Church of England      
   
• CofE Practical path to net zero carbon The practical path to net zero carbon for churches | The Church of England
   
• 360 carbon (comprehensive carbon footprint calculator) The Collaborative Carbon Calculator for Churches, Charities and Small Businesses • 360°carbon.org (360carbon.org)
   
• A Rocha Ressourcés Archive - A Rocha International
   
• Green Christian Green Christian – Ordinary Christians, extraordinary times

• Green Christian Green Christian – Ordinary Christians, extraordinary times
   
• Christian Climate Action Christian Climate Action – Direct action, public witness for the climate
   
• Christian Climate Action Belgium Home - Christian Climate Action Belgium
   
• 350.org (tools, guidance and training)
   
• European Christian Environmental Network What's new | Ecen
   
• Eglise verte Pour une conversion écologique de l’Église | Label Église verte (egliseverte.org)

• IPCC  — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
   
• Stockholm Resilience Centre Stockholm Resilience Centre - Stockholm Resilience Centre
   
• Climate change learning resources A Collated List of Online Climate Change Learning Resources – SEEd (se-ed.co.uk)

• European Climate Pact (europa.eu)
   
• The Church of England Diocese in Europe (DiE) (europa.eu)

• Season of Creation | The Church of England
   
• Creation Time | Season of Creation (ctbi.org.uk)