Members of the Net Zero Team have been busy over the past month attending and presenting at the various diocesan synods that have taken place across the province. These synods have been encouraging opportunities to share provincial-wide updates on Net Zero work and to build on the diocesan-level connections made through the Net Zero team contacts.
During each diocesan synod, inspiring stories were shared of the varied ways that charges are responding to our call to care for God’s creation. Stories of community transport projects, tree planting, and eco-friendly heating systems showcased the power of faith in action. The synods were a true celebration of positive change, showing that through collaboration, vision, and determination, churches across our dioceses can lead the way in caring for creation, while strengthening their communities for future generations.
Edinburgh Synod – 15 February 2025
The well-attended Edinburgh Synod was held at Ps & Gs Church in Edinburgh. Neil Rawlins gave a presentation, which provided both a reflection of the Net Zero work achieved in 2024 and the upcoming plans for 2025. The highlight was the fantastic result achieved by the Diocese in completing the energy Footprint Tool (EFT) at 94%. The Convenor of the Diocesan Environmental Group spoke and afterwards there was a Q&A session.
Glasgow & Galloway Synod – 22 February 2025
The Glasgow & Galloway Synod highlighted the Diocese’s incredible efforts in sustainability and creation care. Iain Johnstone and the Glasgow & Galloway Diocesan Environmental Group shared inspiring good news stories, from biodiversity projects and lighting upgrades to churches exploring solar panels, heating improvements, and battery storage solutions. A key focus was the Energy Footprint Tool, which has helped secure funding for churches, such as through the Benefact Trust, and it is hoped this will encourage greater engagement in the process this year.
To spark discussion, a questionnaire was distributed, inviting churches to share their ideas, with many identifying financial barriers to starting sustainability projects. In response, the funding resources on the Net Zero Portal were highlighted as valuable options for financial support. The Synod concluded with a message from the new Bishop-Elect, The Rev Canon Dr Nicholas Bundock, who expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with churches and supporting their mission.
Argyll & The Isles Synod – 25-26 February 2025
The Argyll & The Isles Synod was a powerful gathering of inspiration, collaboration, and action, highlighting the Diocese’s growing commitment to sustainability. Iain Johnstone and the Diocesan Environmental Group shared uplifting stories of churches embracing renewable energy e.g. solar panels, and the wider missional impact of these efforts—helping congregations save money, reduce emissions, and benefit their communities.
A compelling video on the Isle of Eigg’s Clean Energy Transition showcased how local action can drive meaningful change, sparking discussions on how churches could follow their lead. This was followed by a vision exercise, where churches explored new possibilities for the next three years. These insights will inform a report to help shape the Diocese’s sustainability strategy, ensuring that collective aspirations translate into impactful action. The response from churches was overwhelmingly positive, with over eight congregations stepping forward to seek support for launching their own Net Zero projects across buildings, grounds, and rectories.
Moray, Ross & Caithness Synod – 1 March 2025
The Synod was held in St Andrews Cathedral in Inverness. Being St David’s Day, the day started by singing Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer to the tune of Cwm Rhonda which was a wonderfully stirring way to start the proceedings.
Daniel Prince presented on what has been achieved so far and what plans are a priority for the coming year. Updates were also given on the results from the Energy Footprint Tool. Following the presentation, questions from the floor covered subjects such as opportunities for funding energy efficiency measures to how the effects of travel could be measured. It was clearly an interested and engaged Synod who are keen to do the right thing regarding Net Zero.
Aberdeen & Orkney Synod – 1 March 2025
The Synod of the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney brought charges together from across the North East and Islands. Charges were asked to bring ‘One Good Thing’ to share success and learn from others; many charges brought environmentally focused accomplishments including forest church, garden projects and engagement with the Net Zero Team, HeatHack workshops and the Rectory Green Fund. The Net Zero update provided by Jack Nevin was well received.
Brechin Synod Saturday – 1 March 2025
With the Diocesan Rep, Jack Nevin attending the Aberdeen & Orkney Synod, Neil Rawlins deputised. The Net Zero presentation provided both a reflection of the work achieved in 2024 and the plans for 2025. There followed a robust Q&A session, allowing time for useful discussion.
St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane Synod – 8 March 2025
Bethany Nelson and Jack Nevin were both invited to speak during the afternoon session of the St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane Diocesan Synod in Perth Cathedral. The afternoon combined presentations from the Diocesan Environment Group and the Diocesan Buildings Committee, with contributions from the Net Zero Team. Bethany updated on upcoming events and shared some initial results from the 2023 Energy Footprint Tool data. Jack gave an outline of funding opportunities and tips on where to start when writing applications. During the afternoon St Serf’s Burntisland shared how they have progressed their journey in caring for creation.
There was much to reflect on in light of Bishop Ian’s address on the feeding of the five thousand at the start of the day. Bishop Ian reminded us that as Christians we can trust in God’s abundance. Just as Jesus’ miracles reframed the way his disciples viewed the world around them, we too are called to reframe our thinking from an assumption of scarcity to trust in God’s abundant provision.
Net Zero Team; edited by Bethany Nelson, Empowerment Coordinator
