Good News Spotlight: St Cyprian’s selected as Net Zero Carbon Demonstrator Church
As part of General Synod’s prophetic call for the Church of England to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2030, the national Net Zero Programme has launched the Church Demonstrators Project, which aims to create a network of churches across the country that model good decarbonisation practice. These “demonstrator” churches will help share learning, inspire communities, and encourage practical action, with the long-term vision that every parish will have one nearby.
The Diocese is delighted to share that St Cyprian’s Nottingham has been successful in securing a Stage 1 grant. The Programme Management Office is now supporting the parish as the project progresses and looks forward to inviting other parishes to visit, learn, and discuss the work being undertaken.
The Stage 1 Preparatory Grant, which provides funding for professional support to help churches progress an already well-developed project, alongside hands-on fundraising guidance from specialists at Action Planning. Churches that successfully complete this stage may then be invited to apply for a Stage 2 Capital Grant, which can cover up to 25% of the total project costs, provided all necessary permissions are in place and at least 50% of the funding has already been secured.
Churches were invited to apply based on a set of specific criteria, including completion of the Energy Footprint Tool, levels of local deprivation, the condition of existing heating systems, Eco Church status, and other measures.
Father Lee Dunleavy, Curate at St Cyprian’s, shared:
“For some years now, St Cyprian’s Nottingham, has been quietly shrinking its carbon footprint, but the sudden demise of our ancient boiler gave us a clear nudge from God to act even more courageously. We are delighted that the National Church has selected us as the city’s Demonstrator Church for Net Zero Carbon technologies, and we look forward to (alongside the return of heating!) growing into our calling to become a hub of experience and expertise, once our journey is complete, for others who wish to do likewise.”
Good News Spotlight is a regular feature in our diocesan communications that highlights and celebrates God’s work in parishes across the diocese. If your church has a good news story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us here.