Barry White
The Church of England (C of E) has set out ambitious plans to be carbon neutral within eight years amid growing concerns over the climate crisis. It is estimated that C of E buildings produce 189,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. With some 16,000 churches and 42 cathedrals included on their land, it is responsible for 45 per cent of all Grade I listed buildings in England, so it’s a daunting task. Some 8,500 parish churches were built before or during the medieval period which in itself present a number of huge problems to overcome.
The governing body of the C of E, the General Synod, has published a consultation paper calling on dioceses, cathedrals, parishes, schools and national institutions to develop the ‘net zero’ strategy. The Synod agreed last year to set the 2030 target, having rejecting the recommended target of 2045 see: http://test.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/14-february/news/uk/ten-years-to-be-net-zero-after-synod-rips-up-original-target
A special report in the Yorkshire Post (18 December) highlights actions already taken at Ripon and Bradford Cathedrals and the 800 year old York Minister, see: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/ripon-cathedral-to-take-inspiration-from-architect-who-built-church-1350-years-ago-in-bid-to-become-net-zero-3499576 . They also report that rural churches in North Yorkshire are working together to help reduce their environmental impact.
Source: Yorkshire Post 18 December 2021.
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