Sustainability

One of the Church of England’s marks of mission is to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain the life of the earth. In February 2020, the Church of England set new targets for all parts of the church to work to become carbon zero by 2030.

We want to play our part in that vision.

We use the Eco Church framework to help us develop and improve our level of sustainbility and environmental efforts. It is a scheme run by A Rocha UK to equip churches to care for God’s creation through worship, buildings, land, community engagement and individual lifestyles.

In January 2022 we achieved the Bronze Eco Church award and we are working towards Silver.

• Our gas supply is 50% ‘green’ and our electricity supply is carbon neutral and we manage our heating and electricity for maximum efficiency.
• We’ve upgraded the lighting across our buildings to LED or low-energy with most on a sensor/timer to limit energy consumption.
• Through our service provider, we have 100% zero waste to landfill and waste and recycling is kept in the UK and Northern Europe.
• We pray for environmental issues during prayer meetings and we use songs in our church services which enable us to celebrate God’s creation.
• Our Kids and Youth teams talk about caring for God’s earth with our young people.
• Our coffee, Skylark, is locally & sustainably sourced – they are non-profit, and provide 100 percent transparent specialty coffee.
• We use biodegradable or compostable containers for food serving.

Here are a few ways you can play a part in helping care for God’s planet.

• Become part of St Peter’s Environment & Sustainability working group and help to lead the way in creating positive change. If you’re interested, please email Sandy Matthews who leads our team in this area.
• Pray for our earth, the environment, animals threatened with extinction, climate change.
• Complete a personal lifestyle audit and encourage your friends and family to do the same. We particularly recommend this one from the WWF footprint.wwf.org.uk
• Write to your local MP and councillor about changes that could be made locally.
• Opt to use public transport, lift-share, walk or cycle when you’re moving around the city.
• Organise a local litter pick or sign up to Brighton and Hove Council’s Tidy Up Team here: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/jobs/volunteering/volunteer-tidy-team
• Prioritise ways of reducing waste at home and at work by recycling and composting. Remember that reducing waste is better for the environment than recycling so how can you buy less plastic?

We would also love to hear any of your suggestions, so do get in touch with your ideas.