The pioneering work of Portsmouth cathedral and its ambition to reach net zero carbon features in the Church of England’s first Net Zero Carbon 2030 Impact Report.

The report, published this week, highlights the impact of the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme, since it was mobilised last year. The ambitious programme aims to equip, resource and support all parts of the Church to reduce carbon emissions from the energy used in its buildings, schools and through work-related transport by 2030.

Portsmouth Cathedral has reduced its carbon footprint by 45% since 2013. Their initial target of a 20% weather-adjusted energy carbon emissions reduction by 2020, against a 2013 base year, was achieved a year early in 2019.

The Net Zero Impact Report highlights that more than £20 million has been allocated so far to dioceses to help support parishes and schools to reduce their carbon emissions. It also reveals:

• £14.5M projects and grants have been established

• £6.5M projects funded and grants signed

• 100 retrofit surveys have been completed on clergy and retired clergy houses

• A £2.4M Quick Wins fund has been launched for dioceses to help parishes with small scale projects such as LED installations, pew heaters or double glazing

• The programme is seeking to support 114 churches to become Demonstrator Churches, with each receiving additional funding and support to be an exemplar church in their region

• A £2M National Framework for Schools Decarbonisation has been developed for Church of England schools to help secure external grants and deliver net zero projects

• And 4865 churches are now engaged with conservation charity A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme, a great starting point for churches helping them begin their eco journey.

Julian Atkins, Church of England’s Net Zero Programme Director, said: “We’re delighted to publish our first Impact Report and bring together in one publication a snapshot of all the amazing work which is being carried out across the country. It really is a team effort, with many people all making a contribution.

“Churches, cathedrals and schools like Portsmouth cathedral are already making great progress in reducing their carbon emissions and many have found that making small changes can make a big difference. We hope the report will encourage and inspire readers to see that achieving net zero carbon is possible and that there is a wealth of support available to help them on this journey.”

You can read the new Net Zero Carbon 2030 Impact Report here.