A church in Newcastle Diocese has set its sights on gold after securing the silver award as part of the Eco Church initiative.
It’s a sign of the rapid progress at St George’s in Jesmond, which picked up a bronze award just two years ago.
The popular place of worship, which has been at the heart of its community since 1888, has done well in numerous categories.
Several projects have contributed towards the silver award, with St George’s focused on reducing CO2 emissions, sustainability and waste management, raising awareness through worship and teaching, and biodiversity.
“We’re delighted with the silver award and with the progress which has been made so far,” said Kay Plumley, who is parish environmental champion and is also a deanery synod representative.
“We have a very ac
tive eco-group at St George’s and we are proud of what we have achieved. A big call out goes to everyone involved.”
The achievements include the insulating of the roof of the Grade II listed church hall, and the replacement of an old, inefficient boiler with a modern condensing equivalent. In addition, the church hall now has an automated system to ensure the heating is only turned on when it’s needed.
Outside, the Grade I listed church has an acre of green space, which is an appealing place to sit, reflect and enjoy a picnic. There’s also bird boxes, bug hotels and compost areas as part of a land management plan, with St George’s maximising its use of space to encourage biodiversity.
The environmental focus at St George’s began when former curate, the Revd Stephanie Keates, who is now serving as a priest in charge for in North Shields, sought volunteers to form an eco-group, which eventually signed up to Eco Church.
The congregation responded actively. Volunteers came forward, education was provided in the form of environmentally-themed quizzes, presentations and video sessions over coffee, while youngsters at the children’s group and Messy Church have planted flowers for Earth Sunday, among other initiatives.
Kay added: “Stephanie got things started and her work became embedded within the worship team. Education has been a big part of this and it has been great to see people embracing it.” 
Kay said St George’s was thankful to Newcastle City Council, the Community Foundation and the Willan Charitable Trust for support and funding for the church hall project.
Environmental awareness sessions are continuing at St George’s with the latest focusing on sustainable eating. The church is active in connecting with its local ward councillors and MP on environmental matters.
Kay added: “At St George’s our policy includes going for gold and we are fortunate that we have great people who want to get involved.”
Images: Top; The Revd Ollie Dempsey and eco group members with the silver eco award certificate. Middle; Bishop Mark plants a tree at St George’s for the Coronation of King Charles III back in May. Bottom; Insulation arrives for the church hall roof.