Launch of London Climate Action Programme
17/09
10/09/2009
The Diocese of London has launched an innovative programme of action to meet its target of cutting the carbon emissions of churches across the Capital by at least 20.12% by 2012.
Three initiatives have been launched - a series of environmental audits, a partnership with the Carbon Trust to produce building solutions for parishes and a benchmarking system that will enable tailored plans to be produced for individual churches.
The projects will offer parishes across London useful information on how to make big energy savings at modest cost.
The programme will help the London Diocese achieve its commitments under the "Shrinking the Footprint" Campaign - the Church of England's national programme of climate change measures. Chaired by the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, the campaign asks churches to take steps towards the long-term aim of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
With 479 churches and 147 schools which reach out to a community of 3.6 million people, the Diocese of London has the potential to make an enormous difference to the Capital's carbon footprint.
Brian Cuthbertson, Head of Environmental Challenge, said:
"At this time of economic slowdown, it isn't easy to make expensive changes to our buildings. But we are keen to save money and keep the lights on! And now is an excellent time to plan efficient long-term responses to energy shortages and climate change."
The results of the projects will become available early next year.
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