Blog

IF – Enough Food For Everyone

By News

The IF campaign has now been launched. The campaign focuses on measures such as upholding the pledge to spend 0.7% of national income on aid; and for the UK to use its presidency of the G8 this year to tackle tax dodging.

If you would like to add your support you can do so on their website. The online sign-up is located here.

Eco-Congregation Scotland is proud to support the IF campaign along with organisations such as the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Church of Scotland, the United Reformed Church, the Methodist Church, the Salvation Army and the Church of England.

Helensburgh & Lomond Network meeting 30th January 2013

By Lomond

The next network meeting will take place at 10:30am on 30th January 2013 at the Helensburgh United Reformed Church.

Topics under discussion will include:

  • Beach Clean Pentecost May 19th 2013 
  • Coffee Morning St Andrew’s Kirk 8th June 2013 
  • United Eco Worship Sept/Oct 2013 
  • Our own churches and awards and hopefully bring news of progress to the next meeting.
  • AGM representation and the membership fee for 2013

All welcome!

Green Heating Solutions – Energy Saving Trust events

By Ayrshire, Dumfries

 

 

 

Information from Energy Saving Trust:

If your New Year’s resolution is to save money you could make the switch to a more affordable source of heating.  For example a heat pump or wood-fuelled boiler may provide a better heating solution for you.  Not only is it kinder to the environment it can also make a difference to your energy costs potentially saving you hundreds of pounds each year. 

There is a range of financial support available and you may be able to earn cash from your heating system through the UK Government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which should be available from summer 2013.

The Energy Saving Scotland advice centre is holding Energy Surgeries on:

  • Monday 28th January 1.30pm – 4.00pm at Girvan Community Centre;
  • Wednesday 30th January 1.30pm – 4.00pm at Kirkcudbright Library, and;
  • Saturday 2nd February 2.30pm – 4.30pm at Stranraer Library.

Come along and talk to our advisors and find out more about the financial and practical support on offer.

For more information, call free on 0800 512 012.

Green Heating Solutions – Fenwich Hotel 26th January

By Glasgow

 

 

 

Information from Energy Saving Scotland:

If your New Year’s resolution is to save money you could make the switch to a more affordable source of heating.  For example a heat pump or wood-fuelled boiler may provide a better heating solution for you.  Not only is it kinder to the environment it can also make a difference to your energy costs potentially saving you hundreds of pounds each year. 

There is a range of financial support available and you may be able to earn cash from your heating system through the UK Government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which should be available from summer 2013.

The Energy Saving Scotland advice centre is holding an Energy Exhibition on Saturday 26th January at the Fenwick Hotel (Junction 8 M77) to showcase energy efficiency and renewable technologies. Come along and talk to our advisors between 10.00am and 3.00pm to find out more about the financial and practical support on offer.

For more information, call free on 0800 512 012.

 

 

1st Eco-Congregation Award to St Mary’s Parish Church, Kirkintilloch

By News

St Mary’s Parish Church, Kirkintilloch has received their first Eco-Congregation Award. Congratulations!

Principally the award was awarded for:

  • Gardening activities, especially growing food and he many successful recycling schemes including warm clothes for asylum seekers
  • Careful monitoring of building heating/energy use and thus carbon footprint and a  successful car use reduction campaign
  • Work with fair trade and developing countries and the involvement of many different groups in the church covering all ages

Photo of congregation borrowed from: http://www.stmaryskirkintilloch.org.uk/gallery.php?i=5

Well done!

Climate Challenge Fund grants; £10.3 million available per year until March 2015.

By News

What type of project would help your community?

Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) grants up to £150,000/yr from the Scottish Government could provide funds and support for your Community Group to reduce their community’s carbon footprint, save money and improve facilities.
CCF grants have funded community owned buildings to install energy efficient measures and community group projects to provide local energy efficiency advice. They have also funded community growing spaces and local projects to help people move away from their cars towards lower carbon transport alternatives. There is also additional support for disadvantaged, black and minority ethnic communities and young people in developing their CCF application through new £750 Development Grants.

Innovative applications for funding are encouraged, but to be eligible for CCF grants community groups must be community-led, operate on a not-for-profit basis, prove they can achieve measurable cuts in their carbon footprint within their neighbourhood and leave a sustainable legacy in the community.

From initial ideas to project implementation, groups applying for CCF funding can count on support from Keep Scotland Beautiful, who manage the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Applications are invited for presentation to the CCF Grant Panel in June and September 2013; full information on the application process and deadlines can be found on the CCF website.

For information or to apply for a grant please see www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccf call a Development Officer on 01786 468 779 or email ccfenquiries@ksbscotland.org.uk

 A leaflet can be downloaded here (PDF file).

 

 

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment & Climate Change visits Carlops Eco-Congregation

By Esk, News

On Thursday 17th January, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Environment and Climate Change, visited Carlops church to present an Eco-Congregation Scotland award to the congregation.

Paul Wheelhouse MSP and Nan Buchan

After speaking with members of the award winning Carlops Church plus representatives from other inspiring local Eco-Congregations Mr Wheelhouse, said, “As recent weather events have shown, climate change is becoming an ever more urgent issue. We all need to take action if we are to tackle climate change and move to a low carbon, more sustainable Scotland. And that’s exactly what our Eco-Congregations are doing – I was delighted to present Carlops Church with their 3 rd Eco-Award – this is an amazing achievement and well deserved recognition of all their hard work in helping to protect the environment.”

Carlops Church won a third award for its environmental work. The church won the independently assessed award for three core reasons.

  • Firstly, it has developed strong relationships with people living in the parish, both church members and is an outstanding example of community engagement. An example of the strong links was demonstrated through the Carlops Kitchen project raising money for Mary’s Meals.
  • Secondly, the support that Carlops church has shown for other churches by leading the Esk and Tweed network and by supporting national events was a crucial requirement for the third award and members had clearly made an impressive contribution.
  • Finally, the group’s passion for the work has been matched by a thoughtful and considered approach. This combination has led to effective action and is a model of good practice for other congregations to follow.

Award assessors, Adrian Shaw, Climate Change Officer at The Church of Scotland and Alison Boyes, of Dunscore Parish Church and a Director of Eco-Congregation Scotland, commented,

“When awarding the prestigious Eco-Congregation Scotland award, it is normal for assessors to suggest new ideas for congregations at assessment meetings but in this case we were moved to just say ‘Keep calm and carry on’ such was the professionalism and passion of the work we found at Carlops.”

Eco-Congregation Scotland is an ecumenical charity, which helps congregations link environmental issues to their faith and to take action in their church and local community. There are nearly 300 Eco-Congregations in Scotland. In addition to providing support and advice on environmental issues and providing an environmental audit of the church, Eco-Congregation Scotland offers a programme to enthuse and equip churches to weave environmental issues into their life and mission in an enjoyable and stimulating way.