The Net Zero team joined part of the recent meeting of the General Synod, observing the proceedings and meeting members of synod during coffee breaks. It was a wonderful opportunity to build connections and meet people in-person. The Net Zero team had a digital display table with contact details and a summary of the team members’ work. The Provincial Environment Group (PEG) update celebrated the progress that has been made in the past year. Since the Net Zero Action plan was approved and the Net Zero Delivery Director appointment was announced, the team has grown to a total of six and has hit the ground running in engaging with dioceses, charges and wider networks.
During the PEG update, the Net Zero Portal was highlighted. Please do keep an eye on the resources available on the portal and subscribe to receive new blog posts straight to your inbox. The portal includes a useful page on funding options and the new forms for the Rectory Green Fund and Provincial Building Grants and Loans can be found here. The aim of the portal is to be a one-stop-shop for all things net zero for the SEC.
Rev Dr Val Cameron gave a detailed case study on how St Mary’s Dalkeith engaged with the HeatHack workshops and have saved money and carbon emissions as a result. To find out more about HeatHack visit the Workshops page of the portal. You can also read a blog post on this case study here.
The PEG update was followed by the Provincial Youth Committee (PYC). It was truly heartening to witness the young people of the church speak with such confidence and conviction on the various issues debated at Synod. Phoebe Pryce, Chair of the PYC, voiced the anxiety that so many young people experience today when looking at the world they are growing up in. As Christians, we have a vital role to speak up for those facing the impacts of the broken world we live in today, and will continue to face into the future. Members of the Net Zero team met in March with Phoebe Pryce and Claire Benton-Evans (Provincial Youth Co-ordinator) to share ideas on empowering young people as we respond to our call to care for God’s creation.
To read more on the PEG and PYC updates at General Synod, click here.
Bethany Nelson, Empowerment Coordinator
