‘Give to Go Green’ projects in Southwark Diocese
We are one of seven dioceses selected to take part in Give to Go Green, the Church of England’s funding programme to support churches to make carbon-cutting improvements. For every £1 you give to the projects on these page, the Church of England will match you and give £1 too, doubling your gift! So please give generously.
We are delighted that all 12 of our churches that applied for this funding were approved. These projects will improve energy efficiency, reduce day to day running costs and support our collective journey towards Net Zero. The next round of applications will open soon so keep an eye on this page!
Please see below the churches and their projects and please consider giving generously (remembering your money will be doubled by the Church of England) as we care for God’s creation.
Zoning in on Green Technology at St Paul’s Thornton Heath
St Paul’s Thornton Heath are raising money for a zoned heating system and smart thermostat in an effort to move towards a greener, more energy-efficient Church.
The heat management system is attached to the boilers and allows four zones to be heated separately. “Our church is a large old building, that over years has been split into different zones and we have to heat the whole building if only using one room” said Churchwarden Nick Makoha. “Inefficient for both the environment and our funds. A smart thermostat will optimize energy usage, reducing both our carbon footprint and our utility bills. Enabling us to care for God’s creation as well as saving funds for Mission Projects in our area.”
Lighting Up St Luke’s, Kew
Not only will this reduce the church’s carbon footprint it will, in the long run, cut energy costs. “As an Eco Church, in leafy Richmond and situated close to the famous Kew Gardens everything we can do to minimise our emissions is felt passionately by our congregation and Parish” says Revd Dr Melanie Harrington. “Hearing we were successful on our Give to Go Green application was joyful, allowing St Luke’s to continue our journey to sustainability, and providing an eco-friendly space for worship and community events”. Join them in lighting up St Luke’s for a greener future by contributing to this meaningful cause or attending one of their fundraising events.
Illuminating Faith: Shining a Greener Light with LED Stewardship at St Barnabas, Downham
“LED lights use up less energy and last significantly longer, which reduces our carbon footprint, electricity bills and maintenance costs”, says vicar Stuart Leck, “the upgrade aligns with our church’s commitment to caring for creation”. The church is looking to raise funds, by reaching out into their community with donation drives, events, and engaging the array of clubs they host at the church. inviting congregation members and the local community to support the cause. “By switching to LED lighting, the church creates a brighter, more energy-efficient space for the community and worship, demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental responsibility”.
New LED lighting at St Mark’s Reigate
“Our next step”, said Revd Martin Colton, “was to replace the church lighting which uses expensive halogen bulbs with fittings which will use LED bulbs. We were thrilled to hear about Give to Go Green, which enabled a project cost of almost £20,000, to be more achievable for our church.”
A Lightbulb Moment at Immanuel and St Andrews, Streatham
During Creationtide, Immanuel Streatham considered their impact on the environment individually and as a church. They realised one simple change would greatly reduce their energy use and carbon footprint: changing all lighting to LED.
The church is used every day with community groups and church activities. It serves a diverse parish in an urban priority area and this would have a big impact. Rev. Sarah Simpson who is leading the campaign, says “The fact that what is given during the campaign is doubled, means a project of £8k, which we’ve not had the funds to do, could be achievable, and ensures we’re listening to our families, who see caring for this planet as important.”
Lighting the Way at St Mary Magdelene
Our first Church to launch, St Mary Magdelene on Wandsworth Common, is using the grant to replace existing light fittings to those which will take LED bulbs in their Parish Hall.
“The hall is used all day for a nursery and then for evening and weekend clubs” says Rev. Philippa Boardman. “Replacing them will make a significant difference to the use of electricity, and most importantly to our carbon emissions. As an eco-church this is important to us. Our congregation all join in caring for God’s creation through championing sustainability, caring for local wildlife and learning together.”
This campaign opened Sunday 1 September and is seeking to raise a total of £7,220.
Warm Seats, Warm Hearts at St John’s Eltham
Just before Christmas last year, the parishioners at St John’s got a chilly surprise, their heating system broke. Revd Caroline Risdon says, “raising funds for an eco-alternative was something we couldn’t consider, but our church was cold!”
They had the inspired idea to use the Give to Go Green initiative to raise £12,400 for heated pew cushions. Not only do Sit & Heat cushions bring warmth, but they also cut down on energy too, heating the person not the space.
The churches fundraising events for this campaign, include a calendar to warm hearts such as a Mexican Supper, a book recycling drive, a big band concert and a Hymn Sing-a-Long.
Upcoming projects
These 'Give to Go Green' fundraisers haven't opened yet, so keep checking back as we update this list with more details around these projects and how you can support them.
Keeping a Warm Welcome for Worship at Church of the Good Shepherd and St Peter Lee
LED lighting at All Saints Peckham
Come back soon to find out more about this project to replace old lighting in both the church and church hall with low energy LED lighting equipment.
Heating system upgrades at St Peters Streatham: fundraiser opens 3 November
Come back soon to find out more about this project to split the heating system to isolate church and parish rooms, enabling targeted heating. The project will include replacement of thermostats with smart remote access.
Re-covering the south aisle roof at St Mildreds Lee
Come back soon to find out more about this project to re-cover south aisle roof of church for PV panels to be installed at a later date. The re-covering will include new insulation.
Installing solar panels at Ascension Balham
Come back soon to find out more about this project to install Solar Panels to lower electrical costs and minimise carbon emissions
Heating system upgrades St Pauls Thornton Heath
Come back soon to find out more about this project to add a smart thermostat and improve the central heating by separating the heating system into four zones, so it can be programmed separately. This will save money not heating everywhere, and reduce CO2.
