
The Church of England is expected to take steps to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045, including making radical changes to the way it heats its 40,000 buildings, among them vast medieval cathedrals.
There could be heated cushions in pews aimed at warming individuals rather than heating the air in churches and cathedrals, and bishops may be discouraged from international air travel.
The church is launching an energy ratings system similar to those used for household appliances to monitor the carbon footprint of its buildings, which also include schools, halls and vicarages. “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” said Nicholas Holtam, the bishop of Salisbury and the church’s lead on environmental affairs.
The C of E’s ruling body, the General Synod, will debate a motion next month calling on the church to reach net zero emissions by 2045 at the latest. A paper submitted to the synod says all parts of the church must take action or “ramp up what they are already doing”.
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