The Diocese of Oxford has committed to working towards net zero carbon emissions by 2035. This means supporting our churches, schools, vicarages, offices to reduce their emissions as far as possible, as well as looking at the impact of some of our resources.
So far:
• Over 300 churches have had an energy audit
• £10m investment has been committed for our clergy houses, and 51 properties retrofitted in 2024
• £1.5m has been invested in our schools for energy efficiency improvements
Read our net zero carbon action plan, and our latest annual carbon emissions report, which was published in November 2024.
Supporting churches to net zero carbon
'Our net zero journey so far' - webinar recording
On 6 May 2025 we ran the first of two webinars, to hear from churches that have progressed their plans for net zero. Watch the recording to find out:
- what they did first
- who they involved (professionals, consultants etc)
- what unexpected challenges they have encountered
- their top tips for other churches embarking on this journey
Carbon Confidence in an Hour
Our new 'Carbon Confidence training' can be delivered in-person or online to your PCC, Deanery Synod, or other church event. Contact us to arrange a session. Alternatively, the training can be done on your own or in a small group, using the video below. Allow up to an hour for this session. The training covers:
- The missional context
- The science of climate change
- Climate justice and climate impacts
- Carbon footprints
- Case studies of action
- Looking to the future
Net zero carbon grants
FINAL ROUND Quick wins fund
This fund aims to support churches tackle some of their 'low-hanging' fruit, and improve energy efficiency. It offers an average grant of £3,000, to be claimed within six months of award. It can be spent on a range of energy efficiency measures, as well as some electric forms of heating, temporary heating, and electrical upgrades. The final round is now open, and will close on 25 April 2025.
Guidance document and eligibility
Application form - download and save a copy, then email your application to netzero@oxford.anglican.org
Getting started
There are four things all churches can do to start their net zero carbon journey
Thank you to all those who completed this year’s Parish Returns Energy Footprint Tool (EFT). The data gathered is used to establish the Church of England's carbon baseline and monitor progress, to track the impact of the steps your church is taking to reduce your emissions. It ensures your church is eligible for net zero carbon grants. At a Diocesan level it also helps us to:
- Spot churches with heating system issues.
- Identify which churches would benefit from an energy audit.
- Discover examples of good practices to share.
The diocese offers tailored advice to help your church reduce its environmental footprint and save money on energy bills through an energy audit. This includes a decarbonisation plan with long-term actions to reach net zero.
Currently nearly 40% of churches are on a renewable energy tariff. It’s the quickest way to reduce your carbon emissions, and support investment in renewable energy. The list of Church of England approved renewable energy tariffs can be found here, and include the national Parish Buying Energy Basket scheme.
Find out how to turn your church's energy audit recommendations into a deliverable action plan with our simple, step by step guidance, 'From audit to action plan'. Begin with the quick-wins that focus on energy efficiency, and start planning for the bigger changes.
Read the guidance on renewable energy, alongside the Church Buildings guidance and national Church of England webinars on reaching net zero.