Net zero and the church: hope through action

In this blog, Iain Johnstone, Net Zero Sustainability Officer for the Scottish Episcopal Church, talks about why net zero is a priority for many churches, the exciting approaches they are taking, and his top tips for starting your own net zero journey...

Churches have long been places of sanctuary, community, and hope. Today, they are also places of climate action. As the world faces the urgent challenge of climate change, churches have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to lead by example.

What is net zero and what does it mean for churches?

Put simply, net zero means reducing carbon emissions to as close to zero as possible. For churches, this isn’t just a practical goal – it’s a theological and moral one. Caring for creation is a core expression of faith, and taking action on climate change is a way to address that calling. But there also many other benefits to churches. By working towards net zero, churches can:

• Demonstrate their commitment to caring for God’s creation – developing more vibrant, colourful, biodiverse, and inviting green spaces.
• Reduce energy costs, introducing new streams of income and freeing up resources for mission and ministry.
• Create more comfortable, warm, and welcoming spaces for worship and community use. Strengthening the role of churches as vital local hubs.
• Inspire others – congregations, the wider community, and other organisations – to take action.

Taking action through innovation

Through our own programme, we’re helping churches to pilot a range of technologies and approaches to reduce their carbon footprint. Each project is designed not only to decarbonise our buildings but also to help congregations understand what works best in the unique context of historic churches and halls. This project will help to provide examples across varied island, rural, and urban environments.

These include:

• Scoping surveys and feasibility works to understand where improvements can be made.
• Installing renewable energy systems like solar panels and battery storage.
• Switching to low-carbon heating such as air or ground-source heat pumps and infrared systems.
• Improving insulation measures to retain heat and reduce energy use.
• Reimagining how buildings are used, ensuring they serve both worship and community needs efficiently.

We understand that it can take a lot of planning, support, and money for churches to make these changes and that’s why initiatives like our partnership programme with Benefact Trust are so vital. The programme is providing £700,000 of combined funding to a network of churches across Scotland, who will get tailored support on their journey to net zero. These churches will act as examples and display the positive benefits from the work that has been undertaken.

Top tips to start your net zero journey

We recognise that not every church has the resources for large-scale upgrades, but every church can take meaningful steps towards net zero. Here are my practical, budget-friendly actions to start your journey:

1. Energy awareness and behaviour changes

• Engage with your Net Zero Team or expert partners to develop an action plan and explore appropriate funding. Here is our guide to funding.
• Maintain your building to ensure it is wind and watertight.
• Speak to organisations such as A Rocha UK, Eco-Congregation Scotland, Local Authorities, or Historic Environment Scotland for advice.
• Switch off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Use LED bulbs throughout the building – they’re more efficient and last longer.
• Set heating schedules, encourage shorter heating periods, limit who can change heating settings, and lower the temperature when the building is not in use.
• Consider moving to a Green Energy Tariff to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Support a Sustainability Champion role to monitor use and promote good habits.
• Additional advice can be found in the SEC Net Zero Toolkit.

2. Church and community engagement

• Host climate-themed services, training, or events to raise awareness and support. This can be done alongside external partners who can provide expertise, capacity, and funding information.
• Partner with local environmental groups, Climate Hubs, Third Sector Interfaces, Local Authorities, and schools to expand outreach and support. Explore how halls and church spaces can be used to develop partnerships, training, working spaces, workshops, and more.
• Encourage the congregation to take action at home – considering their own energy awareness and behaviour changes.
• Reach out and take inspiration from churches who have started their net zero journey.
• Keep an eye out for net zero programmes within your own area/denomination – they may also have helpful resources on their website.

3.  Audit and plan

• Use our Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) or similar approaches to assess your church’s impact.
• Create a simple sustainability action plan with achievable goals.
• Celebrate progress and share stories to inspire others.

Building confidence through shared learning

One of the most powerful aspects of the net zero journey is the opportunity for shared learning. As churches trial new technologies and approaches, we are building a collective knowledge base that others can learn from. Case studies, toolkits, and peer support networks are helping to spread knowledge and build confidence across denominations and regions.

Our learnings from the Net Zero Grant Awards are being captured and shared widely - across Dioceses, through the Net Zero Portal, and with ecumenical partners who face similar challenges. This creates a ripple effect, helping to build confidence and encouraging more churches to look at reducing their carbon footprint.

An exciting future for churches

Working towards net zero is not just about reducing emissions. It’s about reimagining what church buildings can be: warm, welcoming, sustainable spaces that serve both spiritual and social needs. It’s about showing that faith communities can be at the forefront of positive change.

By embracing this challenge, churches can honour their past, serve their present, and safeguard the future for their congregations, their communities, and the planet.