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 reach “Net Zero Carbon” by 2030, reducing the reliance we have on fossil fuels.

As a part of that commitment we publish the most recent results of an annual National Church Report on the carbon emissions of the Diocese: the 2023 Carbon Emissions Report

• 461 churches in scope for Net Zero Carbon.
• 73% of churches submitted energy data in 2025 (up from 53% in 2024).
• 30% of churches have energy and NZC audits (target: 50% by end of 2026).
• 247 churches engaged with Eco Church awards (over half of parishes).
• Six Gold and 35 Silver Eco-Churches across the Diocese.
• 30 churches received NZC grants last year.

How Your Church Can Act

Start your Net Zero journey today:

• • Fill in your Energy Footprint Tool annually
  • Join the Eco Church scheme
  • Commission an energy and net zero carbon audit for your church
  • Switch to renewable energy providers
  • Get started on the small-medium recommendations within your audit and look at Church of England guidance  
  • Based on your audit, start planning for larger projects, including heat system changes 
  • Explore funding available
  • Sign up to the creation care and net zero carbon quarterly newsletter 
  • Get in touch for further advice

It is important to ensure that you keep your Archdeacon informed, your Inspecting Architect is involved and let the Parish Property team know of your plans. 

We will be adding to the library of guidance over the coming months, but in the meantime do get in touch for more advice on how to progress your church’s Net Zero Carbon journey.