Net zero, cost astronomical? Time to call the AP team

Net zero, cost astronomical? Time to call the AP team

The Church of England wants to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its 32,000 buildings by 2030 – but how much will it cost and where will the money come from?

With a huge number of buildings to consider – cathedrals, churches, halls, housing stock and diocesan offices – the C of E Environment Team consulted CRE 24 exhibitors Action Planning for advice on fundraising.

‘We pulled together a multi-disciplinary team to cover all the angles,’ said Action Planning’s Sean Tully. ‘These included environmental funders (UK and international), faith-based funders (institutions, trusts and foundations), community funders (The National Lottery) and major donors, e.g ultra-high net worth individuals with an interest in faith and the environment. The picture is broader than you’d think!’

One standout insight from Action Planning’s research was the potential of statutory funding, local authorities and central government – a pot likely to be increased over the next decade. The company is preparing to deliver fundraising support for around 70 parish churches over the next two years and also delivering a series of free fundraising training webinars for Anglican churches and associated projects for individual dioceses.

‘It has been a real privilege to have been chosen to work with the C of E on such a big and important project,’ said Sean, ‘tackling a challenge that is evolving all the time, but which is also time critical.’

The C of E’s head of giving, Eleanor Stead, said: ‘It has been a genuine pleasure to work with Action Planning on this important project. They have delivered a thorough and thought-provoking feasibility study which their team should be very proud of. It asks some serious and challenging questions, but most excitingly highlights the opportunities available to make NetZero 2030 happen.’

• Action Planning will be on stand P20 at CRE 24 and contribute talks on fund-raising

CRE 2024

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