This page contains information about the work that you could do to implement actions in your setting to reduce the carbon footprint or greenhouse gas emissions of your local church
This work could be organized by your church Green Team or your Trustees or your Church Council or in whatever way works best for your local church.
GenerAl Conference Legislation
The 2024 General Conference passed some legislation about reducing emissions with some suggested tasks (paragraphs 2533.8 and 2550.11 and resolutions 1215 and 1216.) There was also legislation on green teams, church land use and use of plastics that could also be of relevance as you think about reducing your emissions.
In summary:
- ¶2533.8 urges churches to conduct an annual carbon footprint and/or greenhouse gas emissions audit of their buildings, grounds, and facilities.
- ¶2550.11 requires an evaluation of all church buildings, grounds, and facilities in relation to their impact on the church’s ability to be carbon neutral and/or have net zero greenhouse gas emissions together with a plan to achieve this.
- Resolution 1215 is about confessing our failure to steward the earth and committing to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
- Resolution 1216 is about supporting and advocating for legislative and policy efforts to reduce the nation’s emissions, and doing this in a manner that is compassionate to those who are most disadvantaged and impoverished; and placing climate justice at the forefront of preaching and teaching ministries.
Where to Start
First, ensure that there is a good understanding among your team about greenhouse gas emissions and what it means to be carbon neutral. United Methodist Creation Justice Ministries had a cafe (video) on The Science and Solutions of Climate Change where Bill Middlecamp explains about greenhouse gases in an easy-to-understand way and shares what a path to emissions reduction and a just transition can look like. To keep climate justice at the forefront of preaching and teaching ministries, check our page of worship resources.
A good place to begin this work is to carry out a carbon audit as individuals and as a church. There are lots of different tools available to help you analyze your footprint. Some examples are listed below.
Once you understand more about your carbon footprint, you might have some clues as to where to start, and also a benchmark to measure progress. Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) offer a Cool Congregations program that helps congregations reduce the carbon footprint of their facilities and engages their members in reducing their carbon footprint at home.
There are many ways that churches and individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. Some ideas are:
- Switch to low energy lightbulbs
- Turn off unused lights
- Set heating/cooling to only be used as needed in all areas of the building
- Encourage use of public transport and ride sharing
- Reuse or recycle everything possible so that the waste that goes to landfill is minimized
- A rental policy which prioritizes the sustainable use of the site
- Install good insulation for walls, roof and floor spaces and double/triple glazed windows
- Install solar panels
- If you need to replace a boiler, then install an electric heat pump
Solar Installation
Some churches might look to install solar panels. California Interfaith Power & Light have a Cool Congregations program and lots of experience with solar installations and grant options. Interfaith Solar Campaign also help faith communities to go solar by bringing expertise in renewable energy, construction management, and financing.
Advocacy
Check out our pages for advocacy resources and advocacy opportunities supporting and advocating for legislative and policy efforts to reduce the nation’s emissions, and doing this in a manner that is compassionate to those who are most disadvantaged and impoverished