Marion Schooler, Net Zero Carbon Project Manager
We’re delighted to welcome Marion Schooler to the Diocese as Net Zero Carbon Project Manager. Marion began her role in April and will be working with parishes to help them achieve their net zero ambitions.
Marion has hit the ground running and is working towards appointments to build up the Carbon Net Zero team in the Diocese. Key among these appointments will be a Heating, Energy and Renewable Advisor. The Diocese understands that parishes are looking for technical advice in working towards Net Zero. This appointment will pull in this direction.
St John’s Backworth goes Net Zero!
When its former gas boiler packed up, the PCC at St John’s Backworth voted for change! Instead of replacing like for like, the PCC engaged Dunphy Ecclesiastical Heating to come up with a new solution. 18 electric ceramic radiators were installed, and because they are powered by Green Tariff Octopus Energy, St John’s counts as a Net Zero building. Vicar Tim Mayfield is very keen to share helpful experience gleaned along the way. Contact Tim on 07414 601 351.
Photo caption: The congregation is delighted with its cosy new heating system. Churchwarden Ali Griffiths is pictured with one of the new radiators.
Carbon Net Zero 2030
At Diocesan Synod on Saturday, 9 November 2024, Diocesan Secretary Chris Elder explained that £115,000 had been drawn down from the national Church to begin appointing staff to a carbon net zero team. The Diocese added £60,000 of matched funding.
On Saturday 11 May 2024, the Diocese adopted an ambitious Carbon Net Zero Action Plan. The plan aims to take the Diocese to net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The first leg of the plan's delivery will see capacity-building across the diocese as staff are appointed to new posts.
Training
The Church of England Environment Programme has training webinars on various topics under three themes. All webinars are free to attend, although they require booking in advance:
Campaigning
The Climate Emergency Toolkit
This is a route map for your church or organisation to declare a climate emergency and respond to the climate crisis. Step by step, the Climate Emergency Toolkit guides your church through simple, powerful actions to prepare, declare and have an impact in your community.
You can download the pack or for more information click here.
Young Christian Climate Network
The Young Christian Climate Network is a community of Christians in the UK aged 18-30, choosing to follow Jesus in the pursuit of climate justice. The ecumenical network has members from the Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Quaker traditions.
Follow YCCN on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@YCCNetwork).
Charities and organisations
Climate change and pollution impacts the poorest in our local and global community, many Christian organisations are engaged in campaigning for climate justice:
- Tearfund works with local partner churches to help beat poverty and the impact of climate change.
- Christian Aid runs campaigns petitioning parliament and supporting research and work across the world into the effects of climate change.
- Hope for the Future provides training and support for churches to engage with their local MP about climate change.
- Operation Noah is a Christian charity working with the Church to inspire action on the climate crisis.
- Green Christian supports various campaigns, currently these include topics such as sustainable economics, climate emergency, fair trade and organic products and protecting endangered habitats in the rainforest.
- A Rocha UK’s Wild Christian scheme practical actions for individuals and families to explore the connection between Christian faith and the natural environment.