The Diocese of Leeds is pleased to share its toolkit for churches as part of its strategy for achieving carbon net zero by 2030: Saving Creation.
The toolkit invites churches to start on the pathway to carbon net zero by taking six steps towards the goal.
It is accompanied by a volume of case studies looking at churches who have started on this journey already, as well as an introductory video talking about our strategy and toolkit and why this work matters so much today.
The toolkit goes over six steps each church should take towards carbon net zero, including measuring and monitoring emissions, planning and preparing, taking essential energy actions, taking essential travel change actions, looking at carbon offsetting and stepping up and out and sharing work with the wider world.
In our introductory video, the Rt Revd Paul Slater, Bishop of Kirkstall and lead bishop in the diocese on the environment, says: “It’s hard to not hear stories about climate change in the news these days: wildfires; floods; record breaking heatwaves; coastal communities lost as sea levels rise.
“And here in Yorkshire we are not immune to these extreme weather events and the impact they have, particular on the more vulnerable in our society.
“This is the reality we now live with, and is now the context in which we are called to live and preach the gospel.
“The Diocese of Leeds invites you to join us in Saving Creation: Strategic Action to Combat Climate Change.
“Our strategy to be carbon net zero by 2030, and is ambitious, but realistic.
“And, like any long journey, it is made up of a series of steps – the Six Steps to Zero.”
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, introduces our toolkit, and writes: “Every parish and each individual can play their part as we seek to do our bit.
“And this is not in parallel with our Christian discipleship or worship – it is essential to it.
“Spirituality cannot be separated from the stuff of the cosmos.
“So, our strategy encourages us to grow in discipleship, re-frame our living together, and re-shaping the way we see our commitment to God and each other.”
The toolkit, case studies and more information about achieving carbon net zero can be found on our website here.
Our introductory video can be seen here.