As temperatures soar around the world raising concerns about climate change, more than 5,500 churches from across the denominational spectrum have put their faith in clean energy – with church leaders encouraging more to follow suit.
Fifteen Anglican cathedrals including Salisbury, Bristol, Sheffield and York Minster are among the buildings now using 100% green electricity tariffs.
Based on the average annual church electricity bill of £1000, a figure provided by national church buying group 2buy2, British churches have diverted more than five million pounds from fossil fuels to clean energy providers.
The Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam, the Church of England’s lead bishop on the environment, is delighted that so many churches had embraced renewable energy. “Climate change is one of the great moral challenges of our time and so it’s fantastic to see churches doing their bit to ensure they reduce their impact on the environment,” he said. “They are also giving a boost to clean energy which is essential to reduce harmful carbon emissions.
“It’s very encouraging to see more churches walking the walk and making concrete steps to ensure our common home is greener and cleaner, thanks in part to the Church’s shared energy basket ‘Parish Buying’ now sourcing 100% renewable energy. Hopefully the number continues to grow.
“Climate change is an enormous injustice and is hurting the poor first and worst. Switching to responsible sources of electricity may seem like a small thing on its own, but when joined together it can make a real difference.”
