Our diocese has been a pioneer in reducing environmental impact of clergy housing and we have now been awarded a grant from the Church of England for £37,000, to improve the carbon efficiency and running costs of two clergy houses. This “demonstrator” grant will help us grow as Kingdom People, by further reducing our environmental impact.
Erica Siddall is Net Zero Carbon Manager for Clergy Housing working across the dioceses of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester. She said:
"The Anglican Communion’s fifth mark of mission calls us to ‘strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.’ This new grant is part of the broader Net Zero Carbon Programme, which resulted from General Synod’s ambitious target of achieving net zero carbon by 2030. The term net zero carbon means no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and for this to be achieved, we will need to work together to cut emissions from our churches, cathedrals, schools, clergy housing and office buildings across the country. It is now up to individual dioceses to further embed this commitment and deliver on this promise urgently, for the good of the world."
As a diocese, we are developing a Net Zero Carbon Action Plan, which includes clergy housing in its remit. Our work to improve the energy efficiency in our clergy homes dates to the 2000s with an insulation upgrade programme for over 35 homes, then in 2011 with award-winning completion of three eco-houses (one being the first UK property to receive Zero Carbon Code 6 and PassivHaus Accreditation), and in 2016 (installation of solar PV at 10 properties.)
Erica continued: "Although these programmes have not been without challenges, we now have experience with learning how to live differently, and these rollouts have been in addition to a robust fabric-first approach to maintenance. By putting on its landlord hat, the Diocese of Worcester may be able to attract government funding for further environmental improvements, as part of its cohesive strategy to reduce emissions and running costs.
"Together, we are improving the carbon footprint of the Diocese. Whatever your role within the Diocese, this is a call to take greater care of God’s creation, and there are resources, funds, and support available to you. By doing this, we are bringing God’s dream closer to reality: a world where we live out our care of creation and each other, together."
Further information
The Church of England has launched a series of grants and projects worth £30 million to help churches, cathedrals and schools kickstart local projects to help reduce carbon emissions arising from the energy used in buildings and work-related transport by 2030.
Find out more: A short guide to grants and projects to help your church get to net zero | The Church of England]
More information on the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon Programme can be found here: Net zero carbon routemap | The Church of England
