Two parishes from the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe were among the winners in a competition which encourages projects designed to cut carbon emissions in churches, the winners of which were announced after close of business on Day One of General Synod.
The successful parishes, Christ Church and St Paul’s (Castlerock and Dunboe) and St Augustine’s, Londonderry were among the first to benefit from the Buildings Climate Impact Fund launched in February by the Representative Church Body and Benefact Trust.
A grant fund of £300,000 (equivalent to €348,000) was made available for innovative projects that cut emissions and inspired others. The initiative sought to identify projects that would have a high impact over a long period of time, and demonstrate innovation and measurable environmental benefits to more than 1,000 properties the Church of Ireland owns across the island.
The Parishes of Castlerock and Dunboe were recognised for their Creation Care Action Plan, which the judges said was “a clear expression of creation care as mission, with a vision for renewable energy generation and biodiversity enhancement in grounds and graveyards surrounding church property”. They said the “professional” plan was practicable and measurable, and would seek to develop missional links with schools and community groups.
The award to St Augustine’s, Londonderry was for its energy improvement, heating modernisation and sustainability upgrade project, which will conserve energy in the church building and the nearby hall. The project uses triple glazing and different kinds of heating, such as ‘top down heating’ in pews.
The other main winners were Ross Union of Parishes and Youghal Union (both Cork, Cloyne and Ross).
