OUR diocese office has been awarded the A Rocha Eco Church Silver Award in recognition of its work towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly workplace and practices.

Pictured above holding the award are David Cain, diocesan environment officer (front right), and Matt Lockwood, net zero carbon support officer (front left), surrounded by other members of staff.

The A Rocha Eco Church awards recognise efforts that churches and offices have made in reducing carbon output and caring for the environment, which can range from things like twinning toilets, providing recycling facilities, using Fairtrade products, to encouraging staff engagement in managing their personal carbon footprint. A number of churches in our diocese have received awards, including a few Silver awards and one Gold award on the Isle of Wight.

David Cain said of receiving the Eco Church Silver award for the diocesan office, “We’re very excited with this award, and it’s a milestone on our progress to receiving an Eco Diocese Bronze award, as more and more churches become engaged with Eco Church.”

“Many of the requirements for the award came as a result of our collaboration with Vivid – the company who owns Peninsular House – with solar panels on the roof, and switching to LED lights. And what’s very pleasing is that we are not far off achieving a Gold award.”

Bishop Jonathan shared his congratulations with the office: “I'm so pleased that our office has received this award, not just that it is part of the Church’s remit to reach net zero carbon by 2030, but because as disciples of Jesus it is our calling to show care and good management of his creation. My sincere congratulations to all involved.”

You can find out more about, and sign up to, the A Rocha Eco Church scheme here. It costs nothing, and the Eco Church team, as well as our own environment officers, will help you with the award submission process. You can read about the cathedral receiving their Silver award here, St George’s Church, Waterlooville, getting a Bronze award here, St Mary’s Church, Fratton, receiving a Silver award here, and St Peter’s Church, Petersfield, receiving their Bronze award here.