There are a number of well established sources of information for faith communities looking for support in addressing environmental issues.

Local Organisations

Churches Together in Cumbria has an environment group and a range of resources to help churches Act on Climate Change.

Cumbria Action for Sustainability runs Cumbria Green Build Fortnight at the end of August each year.

Energy Audits and Energy Refurbishment. CAFS is once more working with funding agents Cumbria Waste Management and Environment Trust CWMET to run a Sustainable Community Buildings programme. The aim is to help communities improve energy use in their building.

A grant of up 50% capital funding is available up to a maximum of £10,000. Monies are available through the Landfill Tax Grant Scheme which is administered by CWMET.In order to be eligible for this grant an Energy Audit must be carried out, this also can be funded by CWMET up to 50%. CAFS can organise audits through trained energy auditors and costs are typically between £500-750. Audits can now include simple thermal imaging to highlight the most critical aspects of thermal performance!

A simple DIY energy assessment form is available from CWMET to provide a basic understanding of how good or bad your property might be. Having considered the recommendations of the audit, Community venues including churches must then decide upon an energy refurbishment programme and obtain such specialist advice as required before applying for CWMET funding. Please note that capital works cannot start before formal notice from CWMET has been received. For further details please contact Helen Squires CWMET Tel 01768 242140 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The closing dates in 2010 are 12th Feb, 14th May, 13th August and 12th November.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wildplaces of Cumbria. The Trust stands up for wildlife, creates wildlife havens, and seeks to raise environmental awareness.

Friends of the Lake District works to protect and enhance the special qualities of the distinctive and inspirational landscapes of the Lake District and Cumbria.

National Information

Eco-Congregation is a tool to help churches begin to address environmental issues in all that they do. It is suitable for all kinds of churches to use. Churches are encouraged to use the resources provided to look at three main areas of church life:

• 'spiritual': worship and teaching (this might include services, preaching, work with children and young people, small groups)
• practical: things to do with buildings, land and church management
• mission: reaching out to the local and/or global community

Seascale Methodist Church is the first church in Cumbria to receive an Eco-congregation award.  You can read more about their experience here >

Operation Noah was founded in 2001 by Christian Ecology Link (CEL) and later became a joint project of CEL and the Environmental Issues Network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. It was the first Christian campaign to focus exclusively on the issue of Climate Change and this continues to be its mission.

Shrinking the Footprint is the Church of England's national strategic campaign to enable its members and institutions to address - in faith, practice, and mission - the pressing issue of climate change.  It provides practical advice on how to reduce your church's carbon emmissions and energy bills.

Creation Challenge is the Methodist-URC Environmental Network website.

Christian Ecology Link (CEL) helps members to understand and relate these responsibilities to their faith.  Members can then encourage others in their local church to think seriously about these issues.

English Heritage's HELM website provides information on climage change, sustainable energy and the national policies relating to them.