Our places of worship play a vital role in the community and will continue to be a beacon during the cost-of-living crisis, with many taking part in the Warm Welcome Campaign to support those in their communities who are struggling with their own heating bills. While we await clarity from the Government on its energy plan, our Buildings and Environment teams have put together some general guidance in a Energy Crisis Advice for Parishes guide.
Emma Brown, Buildings Adviser for the diocese says, "We know the costs involved in maintaining places of worship can be eye-watering, particularly at this time during the energy crisis when the energy bills are soaring and with no current cap for charities, consequently churches are not protected from the price rises. Therefore, supporting you in providing as much advice as we can is a priority.
“On 21 September the government released full details of the 'Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers'. Find out about the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) for non-domestic customers and how you can get support this winter by reading through the full scheme."
Download Energy Crisis Advice for Parishes
Find out how you can offer your church as a warm space this winter.
Further resource links
- Heating
- Renewables
- Route map to Net Zero
- Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings
- Eco Church
- Rechargeable heated cushions
Upcoming Church of England webinars
Climate resilience - How to prepare your buildings for more extreme weather
Register for the course for Thursday 10 November, 4-5pm
How to use your church to protect your community
Register for the course for Friday 25 November, 12-1pm
Find dates, details, and past recordings of all the Church of England’s Environmental webinars
Who to contact
Jonathan Foyle, Church Buildings Adviser
Sara Emmett, Climate Justice & Environment Officer
Sarah Williams, DAC Assistant Secretary