Net Zero Carbon Programme

Discover how the Diocese of London is supporting parishes on their Net Zero Carbon journey with practical steps, resources, and progress across the Diocese.

The Church of England’s vision is that our church buildings will be warm, bright and welcoming, consuming much less energy and emitting less carbon than they do now. 

Why Net Zero Carbon Matters

Caring for creation is a faithful response to God’s call. Climate justice is global justice. Acting now reflects our commitment to future generations and the global majority already living with the worst impacts of climate change.

Why Churches Must Act

The climate emergency is no longer a distant threat. London has faced flash floods, record-breaking heatwaves, and even wildfires. In 2022, temperatures hit 40°C, and the London Fire Brigade responded to 740 wildfires. Across the UK, heat-related mortality is rising, costing £6.8 billion annually, and failing harvests threaten food security.

Globally, our partner dioceses in Angola and Mozambique face devastating floods and droughts. Climate change hits the poorest hardest.

By working towards net zero carbon, churches can:

• Cut emissions and protect creation.
• Reduce energy bills and future-proof buildings.
• Create warmer, welcoming spaces for worship and community.
• Show visible climate leadership and inspire local communities.

Our Net Zero Carbon Commitment

The Diocese of London, in line with the Church of England, has pledged to achieve Net Zero Carbon. While the 2030 target remains our aspiration, what matters most is our commitment and the resources we’ve released to help churches take action. We are investing in practical support and making steady progress.

Our plan includes:

• Reducing emissions from buildings and travel as far as possible by at least 90%.
• Offsetting the remainder through verified climate projects.

This commitment was endorsed by:

• General Synod (Feb 2020)
• Diocese of London Synod (Mar 2020)
• London Bishops Council (NZC Action Plan approved in 2023)

Key Progress So Far

We have committed as a Diocese, along with the whole Church of England, to aim for “Net Zero Carbon” by 2030, reducing the reliance we have on fossil fuels. The national NZC programme formalised in 2023 and below is a summary of progress.

The latest national impact report can be found here.

The carbon emissions of the Diocese are monitored and reported on annually:

2024 London Diocese Carbon Emissions Report

2023 London Diocese Carbon Emissions Report

London snap shot:

• 461 churches in scope for Net Zero Carbon.
• 73% of churches submitted energy data in recent years.
• 50% of churches have energy and NZC audits
• 257 churches engaged with Eco Church awards (55%).
• Seven Gold and 36 Silver Eco-Churches across the Diocese.
• 30 churches received NZC grants last year.