Plans underway for first carbon neutral church

A church in Reading aims to be ‘carbon neutral’ in seven years.

St Peter’s Church Caversham is one of the first churches in the south of England to take this step.

It has passed a wide ranging resolution, pledging to use energy more efficiently and reduce the church’s carbon emissions.  A comprehensive energy survey was carried out earlier this year.

John Madeley, the church’s licensed lay minister, said: ‘The survey identified a number of ways in which the church can cut its carbon emissions. Some can be done soon, such as installing low energy lightbulbs and improving insulation, for example, while others are more long term.’ The survey said the church - which has a large south facing roof – would be well placed to take advantage of solar and wind power.

More work is to be done on these possibilities.  Though the church will have to pledge money to go ‘carbon neutral’ it is an investment that will pay off, Mr Madeley believes.

‘Its a bold aim but I think we can be a carbon neutral church by 2015, powered by sources of energy which do not cause global warming and damage.

‘Climate change is not a distant threat, its affecting the poorest people now.’ Funding is also available via government schemes for homes and organisations wanting to install environmentally friendly systems such as solar panels.

The Church of England’s Shrinking the Footprint initiative speaks of tackling climate change in ‘faith, practice and mission’.  The campaign is now in its second year and supports practical, locally based initiatives.

Churches interested in tackling their carbon footprint can also contact eco congregation on www.ecocongregation.org.  This Christian organisation advises churches on how to go green and hands out awards to celebrate eco-friendly churches.