Caring for God's planet
Creating a more sustainable future
Norwich Cathedral is committed to caring for God’s planet and, as part of this, working towards achieving Net Zero by 2030.
The Cathedral has achieved the Silver Eco Church Award in A Rocha UK’s national award scheme and we are now working towards the Gold Eco Church Award.
As we seek to reduce our carbon emissions further and invest in a more sustainable future, below are some of the Cathedral’s key environmental priorities.
Biodiversity
- We have increased the number of trees in The Close by 15pc over the last two years (2022-24). There are currently 400 trees in The Close and we are hoping to plant more in the future.
- Following a survey by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, we are working on a number of plans to enhance the biodiversity of The Close including ‘rewilding’ parts of our greens and we have introduced swift boxes to a number of our properties.
Energy
- The Cathedral and all properties in The Close used by the Dean and Chapter are on a green electricity tariff.
- We are drawing up plans for the replacement of our boilers to improve their eco impact.
- We have started conversations about introducing solar panels to generate electricity for the Cathedral.
- We are working hard to reduce our electricity and gas consumption and to increase the energy efficiency of the Cathedral’s buildings, in particular by the improved use of heating controls and draft-proofing and by installing energy efficient lighting.
- In 2016, a new LED lighting scheme was introduced in the Cathedral and we are working towards using LED bulbs across all public spaces on the Cathedral’s buildings.
- We are also committed to raising the Energy Performance Certificates on all Cathedral-owned properties in The Close. When rental properties become vacant, work is being undertaken to improve insulation, add double glazing and replace boilers.
Lifestyle
- We have teamed up with Norfolk County Council, Good Journey and organisations across the county to encourage more people to leave the car at home and explore the county on foot, by bike or using public transport. Find out more here: https://www.goodjourney.org.uk/attractions/norwich-cathedral/
- We are looking to increase the areas for safe cycle storage.
- As we are working on a more sustainable rhythm for the Cathedral, we have encouraged members of our Cathedral Community to similarly reflect on their own lifestyles and commitment to Net Zero. A leaflet that has been created for the Cathedral Community can be downloaded by clicking on the button below.
Our Net Zero commitment
An Environment Panel at the Cathedral has been set up to oversee our route map for achieving Net Zero in line with the Church of England’s commitment to Net Zero.