Chelmsford Diocese has a long history of environmental activity and has had an environmental policy for almost twenty years.
Caring for God’s creation and responding to the negative effects of human behaviour on the environment, including responding to the climate emergency is becoming increasingly important to many within the diocese.
This page describes people in the Chelmsford diocese involved environmental activity and responses to the climate emergency; policies, strategies and plans; our progress; and success stories.
Diocesan Environmental Policy
The Diocesan Environment Policy can be viewed on the link below.
As we progress with our Carbon Net Zero 2030 project, we aim to review other diocesan policies to ensure they meet the aim of reducing carbon to net zero within the next decade.
Key contacts
The Diocesan lead for the environment is the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Revd Roger Morris.
Day-to-day responsibility for the Carbon Net Zero 2030 project and general environmental enquiries rests with the Diocesan Environmental Officer, the Revd Sandra Eldridge.
If you would like to publicise an upcoming environmental event, or share a good news story, please contact the Diocesan Communications Team.
Other Diocesan Documents
-
Net Zero Carbon Action Plan
This plan was approved by Diocesan Synod in June 2023.
-
Environmental Communication Strategy
This communication strategy was approved by the Carbon Net Zero Board in July 2023.
People and groups
Deanery Environmental Advocates
We are recruiting environmental advocates for each deanery and hope to have advocates in every deanery by April 2024. More information about the advocates will appear here in October 2023.
-
Diocesan Environmental Group
The group's role can be summarised using 5 "Cs":
Being a Catalyst for the little things we can do
Contributing to making Campaigning accessible for all
Contributing to keeping Carbon Net Zero on track
Championing great ideas and great ways forward
Encouraging Culture change in the diocese, and by churches and church members
The group meets several times a year to plan next steps, and review plans, strategies, and documents. The group is chaired by the Diocesan Environmental Lead, and works closely with the Diocesan Environmental Officer.
-
Carbon Net Zero Management Board
The principal aim of the Board is to encourage and enable an ever-increasing level of both awareness and positive action towards the decarbonisation of the Diocese, and the embedding of this within the spiritual life of all our communities, including churches and schools.
The Board meets at least five times a year to implement and monitor the Net Zero Carbon Action Plan. The group is chaired by the Diocesan Environmental Lead, and works closely with the Diocesan Environmental Officer.
Climate Action Now - monthly newsletters
-
Newsletters 2023
Climate Action Now June 2023
Climate Action Now July 2023
Climate Action Now Special Edition August 2023
Climate Action Now August 2023
Climate Action Now September 2023
Good News Stories
Walk around Bocking, July 2023
On July 23rd, St Mary's, Bocking, organised a gentle guided walk of 2.2 miles around the rural village of Bocking, taking in two natural historic power sources, one of which you can see in the photograph. Twenty five people across a range of ages took part, enjoying the area, wildlife and history mix. A fun addition for Junior Church members proved to be popular with all and quite competitive! Jacqui Hogger, who organised the walk says: "I was pleased with the response considering it was holiday season. Since the walk the feedback has been positive so much so I have been asked to organise another walk in October."
In the Cathedral
Content to be added
