This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 14 May 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE Diocese of Oxford has become a member of Low Carbon Oxford as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the Church is doing its bit for the planet.
The news comes as people across the city are encouraged to join in Low Carbon Oxford Week (14 - 22 June) when everything from film showings to food fairs, Clothes swapping to super local suppers,.Cycling to upcycling, energy saving and energy generation will be celebrated.
For more see www. lcoweek. org The Diocese, which is the administrative centre for the Church of England for Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, has already installed solar panels on Diocesan Church House, in North Hinksey, Oxford.
David Mason, Director of Glebe and Buildings said solar panels have installed on about 60 vicarages as well as on agricultural barns. He said: "We are replacing old boilers with more efficient ones including ground and air source heat pumps where appropriate.
We have also improved insulation levels in vicarages with replacement/reconditioned windows and increased loft insulation.
The design of new vicarages and work on Diocesan Schools focuses on improving the fabric, i. e.
heat retention," added David. The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Low Carbon Oxford.
As a diocese we are encouraging our churches to celebrate the wonderful environment we enjoy and work towards a lower carbon future.
This takes many guises such as making our church buildings more energy efficient, developing new connections with nature based church activities, and working in partnership with many low carbon community initiatives in our communities. "For more see www. lowcarbonoxford. org Ends. For more information contact Jo Duckles on 01865 208227 or 07880 716761Below are a few examples of the Dioceses environmental projects: Church energy audit scheme - The diocese is helping churches access expert energy efficiency advice tailored to their building, aiming to help PCCs to save money and run buildings more sustainably.
Helping to creating buildings that are warmer, more welcoming and cost less money to run.
Partnering with TOE2 a grant scheme has recently enabled 24 churches to access this advice.
Forest Church - The diocese has encouraged churches to engage with the national Forest Church movement - a fresh expression of church in nature, drawing on contemporary research that highlights the benefits of spending time with nature in wild places and much older traditions when sacred places and practices were outside.
Two active groups exist in the diocese - Oxford and Reading.
Earthing Faith - the diocese runs the Earthing Faith network to encourage and resource churches and individuals in the Diocese of Oxford as we connect our faith with the earth.
www. earthingfaith. org