From September, churches raising money to reduce carbon emissions will be able to double their funds to do so, under a CofE matched funding scheme.

‘Give to Go Green’ was piloted in the dioceses of Leeds and Exeter this year. Through the Church’s Net Zero programme, it will match up to £10,000 raised for carbon-cutting upgrades to church buildings, such as new LED lighting, insulation or heating upgrades.

Under the pilot scheme, a total of £162,000 was raised by 27 churches for small-scale upgrades. Fundings goals were exceeded by 70% of the churches which took part.

Rt Revd Anna Eltringham told Church Times: “Encouraging giving is a challenge for the church, especially in such financially uncertain times. But people are more likely to give to something tangible.

“The pilot scheme is a fantastic and rewarding way to make things happen”.

At present, the scheme is open to churches in the Dioceses of Chester, Derby, Exeter, Leeds, Sodor and Man, Southwark, St Edmunsbury and Ipswich and Winchester.