Sustainability tips put church on course for a brighter future

May 20 2008 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

RURAL community groups across the UK have been learning how to minimise their impact on the environment and maximise their resources as part of a programme of targeted advice and training.

Groundwork’s Towards Sustainability programme, funded by Capacity Builders, helped a number of groups employ carbon-reduction measures to help reduce their costs as well as their impact.

Groups were also trained to conduct environmental audits of their community buildings and draw up action plans to make improvements.

Once trained, the teams will mentor other groups in their community to do the same.

Carolyn Craggs, of Barnard Castle Methodist Church, County Durham worked with Groundwork West Durham, and Darlington and Durham Rural Community Council, to help improve her local church.

She said: “Early in 2007, my church group became interested in sustainability and wanted to make links between environmental issues and the Christian faith.

“We found it difficult to find sound practical advice and people were often trying to sell a product or charge high fees.

“When we were invited to an introductory session on the Towards Sustainability project, I immediately realised this could offer us the right kind of practical advice.

“The Groundwork project officer was really helpful and knowledgeable.

“She led us through the process and we’ve now got a written sustainability action plan – observations, actions, accountability and date for completion.

“It’s logical, easy to explain to others and practical.

“Some actions are simple, straightforward and cost almost nothing; others are longer-term. Groundwork’s input has made us confident about making decisions and applying for funding.

“Towards Sustainability has not just helped the church – it has benefited all those community groups that use our facilities too, from mums and tots to the lunch club for the elderly.

“Now we are looking forward to the challenges of the future and making Barnard Castle a better community to live in for all of us.”