New guidance to help churches prove due regard to Net Zero Carbon

The Diocese of Gloucester’s Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) has published new guidance to help churches pay due regard to Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon ambition when making decisions or applying for permission to carry out works on church buildings.

You can download the Guidance on proving due regard to Net Zero Carbon (Nov 25) here.

Since 2022, Faculty Jurisdiction Rules have required churches across the country to consider the Church Buildings Council’s Net Zero Carbon guidance when planning certain types of projects, such as reorderings and heating system replacements. These changes were introduced to support the Church of England’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030, as mandated by General Synod in 2020. While new developments can feel challenging, the Diocese of Gloucester has been working hard to support churches—whether they are urgently replacing a heating system or planning ahead for future projects.

Gloucester’s DAC is already supporting churches on their journey to decarbonise, offering practical advice on reducing carbon emissions from church buildings. To strengthen this support, the DAC has published a new guidance note to help churches understand what it means to pay ‘due regard’ to the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon guidance. This document provides a clear starting point for PCCs planning projects where these requirements apply. Written collaboratively by DAC advisors and Net Zero Carbon officers, the guidance is designed to make expectations easier to understand and implement.

Lee Westcott, Net Zero Carbon Programme Manager for Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford, said: “I am very pleased to see that Gloucester DAC recognises the importance of decarbonisation and the challenges facing PCCs and churches in doing so. Using the expert advice available through the DAC, this guidance document will give churches a real boost on their journey and is a great starting point.”

The DAC would like to encourage all PCCs to refer to this document when considering reorderings, new heating systems or other projects where there is a clear opportunity to support the decarbonisation of their church buildings.

For further help and advice, the Care of Churches and DAC Team is available to discuss next steps.