Friday 3 August 2018
More than 5,500 churches in the UK have switched to renewable electricity suppliers.
The number of cathedrals now running on 100% green energy is thanks to the Church of England’s procurement group Parish Buying.
They have switched to clean power suppliers through the Big Church Switch campaign, a partnership between Christian Aid, Tearfund and the Church of England’s Environment Programme.
Churches can sign up to the scheme run by 2buy2, which then pools the combined buying power to negotiate the cheapest possible tariff.
Figures from the national church buying group reveal the churches’ switches have diverted around £5 million from fossil fuels to clean energy providers.
The Bishop of Salisbury, Nicholas Holtam, the Church of England’s Lead Bishop on the environment said: “Climate change is one of the great moral challenges of our time and so it’s fantastic to see churches doing their bit to ensure they reduce their impact on the environment. They are also giving a boost to clean energy which is essential to reduce harmful carbon emissions.
“It’s very encouraging to see more churches walking the walk and making concrete steps to ensure our common home is greener and cleaner, thanks in part to the Church’s shared energy basket ‘Parish Buying’ now sourcing 100% renewable energy. hopefully the number continues to grow.”