The Eco Church scheme is run by A Rocha UK and is an excellent way of involving a church congregation in addressing the challenges for the Church of England and, in particular, the Birmingham diocese, in their commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. Visit the website to find out more about the A Rocha UK award scheme.
There are five sections: Worship and Teaching, Buildings, Land, Lifestyle, Community and Global Engagement. Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are given depending on the number of points gained in each section. By May 2022, 81 churches were registered, of which 30 churches had achieved bronze standard, nine silver and one gold standard.
In 2019, the Birmingham diocese became the third diocese across the country to be awarded a Bronze diocesan award and it will shortly be applying for the Silver award.
A list of the CofE Birmingham churches that have already received Eco Church awards can be found here.