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EcoHub

Welcome to the EcoHub

The EcoHub is your one-stop shop for information, practical advice and theological reflection on how we can best care for God’s creation. 

We’ve entered all the resources - a collection of our own and those from other organisations and groups - into an easy-to-search database. Just enter the term you’re looking for into the search box – and you can browse materials that will be relevant to you. 

We've also identified seven categories that align with the Eco Church framework, which we thoroughly encourage churches to follow. Click on the topic headings below to see related resources - they're a great starting point for individuals too.

Worship and teaching

Resources for delivering sermons, prayers, small group courses, services and sung worship.  

Buildings

Resources to support the care and management of our buildings in a way that’s better for the environment and works towards net zero carbon. 

Churchyards

Resources to help us manage our land for the benefit of wildlife and the environment. 

Lifestyle

Resources to support individuals take action to reduce the environmental impact of our daily lives  

Advocacy

Resources to support churches, schools and individuals to speak up for local and global climate issues, particularly focusing on climate justice 

Fundraising

Resources to signpost to funders, and tips on how to fundraise effectively for environmental projects 

Understanding climate, ecology and theology

Reading matter, videos, training courses and podcasts on a wide range of topics that will help individuals to further their understanding of climate issues 

Browse for resources

Enter your own search word(s) in the search box below to find exactly what you are looking for - you might like to try things such as ‘school’, ‘churchyard’, ‘energy’, ‘pray’, ‘children’ etc.

360 Carbon Calculator
Description:
360 Carbon Calculator. This tool developed by Climate Stewards (part of the A Rocha family) calculates a footprint beyond just energy used for heating and lighting. Includes transport, food, and more. Can sync with the Energy Footprint Tool.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://360carbon.org/

A Rocha UK Education Plans
Description:
Education plans from A Rocha UK for ages 3-14, exploring nature and caring for our planet, both indoors and outdoors. Suitable for schools, community groups and churches. Some plans have faith-based content and all are linked to the national curriculum.
Audience:
SchoolsChurches
Link:
https://arocha.org.uk/education-plans/

A Solar Tutorial by Peter Norris (Dedworth)
Description:
Peter Norris from All Saints, Dedworth shares a tutorial to aid understanding of solar panel generation and batteries based on his panels at home
Audience:
Individuals
Link:
A Solar Tutorial

An introduction for net zero for church buildings
Description:
"A Positive Vision of a Net Zero Church" - A recording of a webinar run by Catherine Ross from the National Church. Offers an introduction to what a thriving net zero church would look like. Inspiring and clear - a star resource.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpmHCFqgcXI&feature=youtu.be

An introduction to heat pumps
Description:
A film on the topic of heat pumps - explaining how they work and why they can be efficient
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J52mDjZzto&ab_channel=TechnologyConnections

An introduction to the new Eco Church survey
Description:
A webinar recording introducing A Rocha UK's updated Eco Church survey, presented by Hannah Mann, Environment Programme Manager. The slides are here www.oxford.anglican.org/content/pages/documents/20241022-doc-ecohub-newecochurchsurveyslides.pdf
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://vimeo.com/1022142546/7eb70b9b6a

Bats in Churches support
Description:
The Bats in Churches project, a partnership between Natural England, Historic England, Church of England, Bat Conservation Trust & Churches Conservation Trust, addressing issues bats can cause in churches while continuing to protect bat roosts.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://batsinchurches.org.uk/

Biffa Award - Main Grants
Description:
Biffa Award - Main Grants. Awards grants (through the Landfill Communities Fund) to projects that provide or improve Biodiversity, Community spaces, Recreation, Partnership.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.biffa-award.org/

Biodiversity information from the Church of England
Description:
Church of England Biodiversity information including; finding out what wildlife lives in your churchyard; encouraging wildlife; grassland management; wildlife in your church building.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/biodiversity

Case studies of church building renewable energy projects
Description:
A suite of renewables case studies from the Church of England includng: Net zero carbon projects; underpew heating; solar panels; heated pew cushions; far infra-red radiant panels; switching from oil to electric heating.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.churchofengland.org/about/policy-and-thinking/our-views/environment-and-climate-change/towards-net-zero-carbon-case

Centre for Alternative Technology webinar recordings
Description:
Webinar recordings catalogue covering various topics including energy, buildings, water and sanitation, nature and ecology, food and growing, behaviour change, climate justice, zero carbon solutions.
Audience:
Individuals
Link:
https://cat.org.uk/past-webinars/

Christ Church Abingdon Environmental Policy
Description:
Christ Church Abingdon's Environmental Policy to embed consideration of environmental issues in church life. Shared as an example for churches to adapt.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
Christ Church Abingdon Environmental Policy

Church buildings

Description:
A short presentation from Canterbury Diocese on environmental actions chuches can take.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwKabLDClo4&t=1s

Church buildings - Carbon Footprint
Description:
Church of England information to help you get underway on your journey to becoming a more environmentally sustainable church.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.churchofengland.org/about/policy-and-thinking/our-views/environment-and-climate-change/how-you-can-act

Church buildings - Energy Efficiency
Description:
Renewables - Case study of PV collaboration between Power Up North London and St Anne's Church, Highgate
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://powerupnorthlondon.org/punl-projects/st-annes-church/

Church buildings and solar power case study
Description:
"Let there be light – churches installing solar panels on roofs to combat climate crisis" Church of England press release giving examples of church solar projects (2020)
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/stories-and-features/let-there-be-light-churches-installing-solar-panels-roofs

Church buildings and Solar PV Panels
Description:
"Solar PV Panels for Churches" - Church of England webinar introducing solar PV panel technology, applications, usage and on-going benefits. Includes steps from installation to on-going maintenance, and funding through the Smart Export Guarantee Scheme.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NoswkTtFA4

Church buildings and sustainability
Description:
Sustainable Buildings - Church of England webpage with a step by step list to making your building more sustainable. A good starting place.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.churchofengland.org/about/policy-and-thinking/our-views/environment-and-climate-change/how-you-can-act/sustainable-buildings

Church buildings energy efficiency quick wins
Description:
"Energy Saving Quick Wins" - A recording of a Church of England webinar with Matt Fulford, who carries out many of our energy audits. A really useful run through some quick wins. A key resource.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYK7buBx8gQ

Church buildings frost protection
Description:
"Managing the Frost Protection of Your Church if Closed due to COVID" Useful not only during the pandemic. How does frost protection in heating systems work? And when is it needed? The right boiler frost settings can save considerable energy and money.
Audience:
Parishes
Link:
https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/CCB_frost_protection_COVID_guidance_issue1_January2021.pdf
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