Award

Churches gain their THIRD awards!

9 July 2009
Congratulations to Westray, Papa Westray and St John's, Hamilton who are the first churches in Scotland to have gained their third Eco-Congregation Award

All three churches have successfully embedded the Eco-Congregation ethos throughout the life and work of the church. They are all involved in a wide range of projects both within the church and the wider community. They also all play a leading role in supporting their local networks and inspiring and encouraging the national movement. All are committed to measuring, managing and reducing the church’s carbon footprint by 5% a year and are encouraging members of the congregation to do the same at home.

Indivdual examples of their work include:

Westray:

  • Has used a bequest to the church to set up the J Foulis Renewable Trust which has resulted in many other church buildings across Orkney reducing their carbon footprint.
  • Engages with the CCAP Church in Malawi with reciprocal visits and support of projects in southern Malawi designed to assist in sustainable development.
  • Contributes to Eco-Congregation locally by promoting the programme across other Orkney churches and nationally (via presentation at Dunblane Conference in 2009, and BBC’s Songs of Praise and Radio 4 programme on renewable energy).

    • Papa Westray

  • Has promoted renewable energy on the island via two wind turbines and supports the aspiration that the island become carbon neutral.
  • Demonstrates an ethos of sustainability through the joint operation of the church/school/health centre complex.
  • Links with churches in Malawi and promotes solar power for local rural electricity.

  • St John's, Hamilton

  • Reaches out to their local community through their cafe and in many other ways. They have recently provided ground from church property which has allowed the local council to build a short cut between the car park and the station in order to enable a park and ride system.
  • Provides real engagement with their young people in eco-congregation activities.
  • Is active in national initiatives such as campaigns with MPs and MSPs and in rallies and meetings.