Eco Diocese is an initiative to encourage diocesan-level engagement with Eco Church, and promote local church participation in the scheme. We are delighted that you would like to get involved and look forward to partnering with you as you help your diocese love and care for God’s world.

Take a look at this video from Winchester Diocese to help you get started.

Eco Diocese status will be given to your diocese when it has:

  • Registered its intent to become an Eco Diocese

    Please register using the form here.

  • Commissioned an individual or group

    To coordinate progress within the diocese.

  • Written an environmental policy

    That has been agreed by Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod/Church in Wales Diocesan Conference (this should include points on travel, the environmental maintenance of vicarages, and a commitment to reducing diocesan carbon emissions). An example from Chichester Diocese is available here.

  • Gained the appropriate levels of local church registrations and Awards for Eco Church

    • Bronze Eco Diocese: 10% of local churches registered; 5% of local churches awarded
    • Silver Eco Diocese: 20% of local churches registered; 10% of local churches awarded
    • Gold Eco Diocese: 30% of local churches registered; 20% of local churches awarded

  • Achieved the relevant Eco Church Award level

    In relation to its Diocesan House or Office (where appropriate) and Land (where appropriate)

  • Embedded environmental issues

    Within the curricula of its ongoing ministerial education

  • Managed diocesan investments ethically

    In line with the ethical policies of the Church of England or Church in Wales national investing bodies, including on climate change, guided by the recommendations of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group

  • Worked with other Dioceses and/or faith groups

    To encourage greater environmental action, including promoting Eco Church as a helpful tool

  • Established the habit of recording and celebrating individual environmental initiatives

Registered Dioceses

Bangor
Bath and Wells
Bronze Award Birmingham
Blackburn
Bristol
Canterbury
Carlisle
Chelmsford
Chester
Chichester
Coventry
Derby
Durham
Ely
Europe
Exeter
Gloucester
Bronze Award Guildford
Hereford
Llandaff
Leeds
Leicester
Lichfield
Lincoln
Liverpool
London
Monmouth
Manchester
Newcastle
Norwich
Oxford
Peterborough
Portsmouth
Rochester
St Albans
St Asaph
St Davids
Bronze Award St Edmundsbury & Ipswich
Bronze Award Salisbury
Sheffield
Sodor and Man
Southwark
Southwell & Nottingham
Swansea and Brecon
Truro
Bronze Award Winchester
Worcester
York

To register your intent to work towards Eco Diocese status, please complete the online registration form here. After completing the registration process you will receive two copies of a letter outlining your commitment to work towards Eco Diocese status. Both copies should be signed by your Diocesan Bishop and DEO or equivalent, and then one copy returned to the Eco Church office and the other retained for display in the diocesan office.

When your diocese has fulfilled these criteria, you can apply for your Eco Diocese Award by completing the application form here.

If you have any questions about Eco Diocese please contact us.