Environmental policy

All policies and procedures

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Bracknell Parochial Church Council (“the PCC”) sets out the following policy.

Our commitment

In the Parish of Bracknell, we recognise the urgency of the climate and nature crises and the impact these have, particularly on the poorest and most vulnerable communities. As Christians, we believe that caring for God’s creation is an essential part of our discipleship.

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our church and churchyard, using our buildings, land, energy and resources responsibly and working towards a more sustainable future.

Our Christian basis

We believe that God created the heavens and the earth and entrusted His creation to our care:

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1

We recognise that we are part of God’s creation, not separate from it. We therefore seek to care for the natural world, reduce waste and pollution, conserve resources, protect biodiversity and reduce our contribution to climate change.

We also recognise that climate change disproportionately affects those who have contributed least to it. Caring for creation is therefore also an issue of justice, compassion and love for our global neighbours.

“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8

Our commitments

Worship and Teaching

We will seek opportunities through worship, preaching, prayer and church activities to encourage greater understanding of our Christian responsibility to care for creation.

Buildings and Energy

We will work to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from our buildings. In considering improvements to our heating, and other systems, we will seek solutions that are practical, energy-efficient, financially responsible and appropriate for our Grade II listed church. We will support the Church of England’s journey towards Net Zero Carbon and especially consider this as we continue to find a permanent solution to our heating issues following the condemning of our gas boiler.

Churchyard and Biodiversity

We will manage our churchyard in ways that encourage wildlife and biodiversity, recognising it as an important part of God’s creation. We will continue to identify opportunities to protect and enhance habitats for plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.

Waste and Resources

We will seek to reduce waste, reuse materials where practical and recycle wherever possible. We will use energy, water, paper and other resources responsibly.

Community and Global Responsibility

We will encourage awareness of the links between environmental issues, poverty and inequality. Where appropriate, we will support initiatives within our local community and beyond that promote environmental responsibility and justice.

Lifestyle and Church Community

We will encourage members of our congregations to consider how everyday choices about energy, travel, food, purchasing and the use of resources can contribute to caring for God's creation.

Our objectives

We will seek to:

• Reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions year on year.
• Incorporate environmental considerations into decisions about our buildings and equipment.
• Continue to improve the biodiversity of our churchyard.
• Reduce waste and increase recycling.
• Encourage environmental awareness through worship, teaching and church activities.
• Support the aims of the Church of England’s Net Zero commitment and our Eco Church journey.
• Review this policy regularly, at least annually, and identify practical actions for continued improvement.