The Church of England published before Christmas its report on how well we are meeting the target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The report showed that while the overall greenhouse gas emissions for the Church of England fell in 2021 the figures for our diocese showed an increase.
So in 2021, we emitted 10,700 tonnes CO2. This increased by 800 tonnes to 11,500 tonnes in 2022.
A breakdown of these figures is set out below
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Church Buildings | 2,800 | 3,100 |
| Church schools | 6,700 | 5,600 |
| Clergy Housing | 1,700 | 1,400 |
| Offices | 250 | 650 |
| Travel | 20 | n/a |
| Total | 11,500 | 10,700 |
(Tonnes CO2e emissions by category for the Diocese of Liverpool)
The church is committed to a challenging 2030 target as it acknowledges our responsibility to safeguard God’s creation protecting the poorest in the world, those who are hit hardest by climate change.
Phil Leigh, our Diocesan Environmental Officer and Programme Lead on our Net Zero Carbon 2030 (NZC2030) programme said “our figures are challenging and show we need to take action now. To offset these emissions would need us to plant up to 530,000 trees a year so we have to find other ways to tackle the crisis.”
Phil heads a team trying to encourage us to find solutions to this increasing challenge. And every part of our diocese is involved. From schools to housing, to parishes to the support staff at St James house. We can all play our part.
Phil said “we have accepted the challenge to help tackle climate change by reaching net zero by 2030. This can seem daunting but there are simple actions we can all take through the Eco Church process and other initiatives. And we are here to support you and make this more simple for all.
What you can do
Supported by our partners Faiths4Change we have three online events to help you achieve carbon targets. These are
Divestment & Carbon Fasting: 1st Feb 6:15 - 7:15 pm
This workshop is aimed at inspiring you and your church to engage in positive divestment and carbon fasting this Lent season while working towards Eco Church awards and the synod's commitment to reaching net zero carbon by 2030. Listen to guest speakers from various Christian organisations, with an opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion.
Fairtrade Fortnight & LOAF : 1st Mar 6:15 - 7:15 pm
During this workshop you will hear from guest speakers including Barbara Echlin, vice chair of Green Christian, who will inspire you and your church to have a positive impact on people’s lives locally and globally by using the LOAF principals of Locally produced, Organically grown, Animal friendly and Fairly traded.
Energy Footprint Tool drop-in: 29th Mar 6:15 - 7:15 pm
The ‘Energy Footprint Tool’ (EFT) was developed to be used by churches to help measure their carbon footprint. The EFT is linked to the Parish Returns System and every church is asked to complete an entry each year (between Jan 1st and July 31st) to help keep track of its energy footprint. Sign up to learn more about how to use it.