Eco Church

In May 2022 the church adopted the framework of caring for God’s earth advised by A Roche.  In July 2022 we were awarded our Bronze Eco Church Award.  There are 5 areas (below) in which we could progress to a Silver award.

As well as shaping how the Church behaves we each have a role to play in our own use of resources. There is a quick (under 5 minutes) Environmental Lifestyle Audit which can help us to think about environmental options. The short survey is anonymous but the church leadership can see the results and may use them to inform future steps with Eco Church. There is also information about ethical investments.  

Bronze award
Ethical Investments

Church Garden

  • We have established a management plan for the land for which we are responsible
  • We manage our garden for the encouragement of native wildlife (birds, animals and plants) and avoid the use of harmful chemicals (pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers)
  • We grow plants on our land that benefit birds, bees & butterflies
  • We are installing and will maintain a Bug Hotel and a Bird Box
  • Composting facilities are available on our church land
  • We actively encourage members to use church land for recreation/contemplation (e.g. picnics, prayer etc.)
  • We grow fruit and vegetables on our land (the pear tree and apple tree in the manse garden)

Buildings

  • Our boiler is A rated on efficiency
  • Our Manse and Family Centre are fully double glazed and insulated
  • The floodlighting around the Family Centre is on a sensor/timer
  • We do double sided printing
  • The recycling bins are in use at all our premises
  • Cycles can be chained to the railing around the church building
  • In the event of the need to undertake a building/refurbishment project, our church would insist that it adhere to BREEAM (or similar) standard to ensure best practice in sustainable building design

Community and Global Engagement

  • We participate in the “Toilet Twinning” scheme
  • Wherever possible Fairtrade and/or ethically sourced goods are used at church services and events
  • When meals are provided by the church we are endeavouring to use food that is locally grown, use organic ingredients, use food that is animal-friendly and use Fairtrade ingredients
  • All meals provided by the church include a vegetarian and /or vegan option
  • We take steps to reduce food waste (e.g. through composting all waste, minimising leftovers at church meals, partnering with a local food waste scheme), and encourage our members to do likewise
  • We actively promote Eco Church to other local churches
  • We organise events providing an opportunity for local people to get out and enjoy God’s earth in our local area (e.g. walks, cycle rides)
     

Lifestyle

  • We include items relating to the theme of caring for God’s earth, including practical lifestyle tips and advice in our website, church family email and social media
  • We have appointed Chris Tanton to champion the cause of our church community becoming more environmentally sustainable
  • We promote walking and cycling to church services and events
  • We promote personal use and consumption of Fairtrade and/or ethically sourced goods
  • Our church funds are ethically invested (e.g. current account and/or investments)
  • We encourage members to invest personal savings ethically and to undertake an environmental lifestyle audit