A Church of England News Item - 09/02/2022
The Church of England’s General Synod has approved new legislation to help churches meet carbon reduction targets.
On Wednesday (9th February 2022), changes to the faculty jurisdiction rules - the Church’s equivalent of planning law - were voted through.
Most of the changes will make it easier for churches to make adaptations such as insulating pipes, draft-proofing doors and windows, fitting new non fossil fuel boilers, electric pew heaters, electric car charging points and soft furnishings to help worshippers feel warm and comfortable. (Meanwhile the installation of like-for-like fossil fuel boilers and new oil tanks will now be subject to a full faculty application).
The rules come as part of a wide-ranging approach to meet the 2030 net-zero carbon target set by General Synod in February 2020. In July 2022 Synod will discuss a full proposed routemap to net zero which is currently out for consultation.
Introducing the legislation, the Dean of Arches, Morag Ellis QC said that the changes represented a “positive and proportionate” part of the Church’s response to the Climate Emergency. The proposals do not require or compel parishes to make changes, but help to foster an informed approach to decisions when they are made.
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