Give to Go Green 

The Church of England has agreed a Routemap to achieve Net Zero by 2030 and has asked all diocese, parishes and churches to develop their own Net Zero Action Plan to become Carbon Neutral by 2030.

This is our opportunity as a Christian community to join with organisations all over the world to save the planet we all share from the catastrophic effects of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation.

This page explains how we will begin the journey to turn Plymstock and Hooe into a Green Parish.

THE CHALLENGE

• If we do nothing, the continuing rise in the cost of the energy needed to power our obsolescent heating and lighting systems will result in the prospect of dark, cold buildings for our worship.
• The longer we leave it, the more it will cost to make the transition to Net Zero Carbon.
• In Plymstock and Hooe we have 6 buildings (3 Churches and 3 Meeting Halls).
• The biggest challenge in our Parish is St Mary's, Plymstock and this is where we can have the biggest impact. So we are tackling this first.

To achieve Net Zero Carbon we have to transition away from the old gas heating to a clean, modern alternative and change to energy-saving LED lighting.

Our current heating system warms the whole of the inside of the building, so we will test a new system which just heats the areas we are using - using a sustainable energy source.

A recent Energy Audit showed that modernising our heating and lighting systems could result in an annual saving of around £3,000 on the current utility bills.

EARLY SUCCESS!

• The Church Commissioners have awarded us a matched funding opportunity.
• If we raise £10,000 – they will give us another £10,000!
• The £20,000 will cover the cost of replacing the old, broken lights with modern power-saving LEDs and also start a project to move away from the gas boiler to a modern, clean alternative.

 HOW DO WE RAISE £10,000 ?

• We will have fund-raising events, but the majority of this will have to come by direct giving, in addition to our regular giving.
• If everyone on the Electoral Roll gives £70,we would reach our £10,000 target.
• The funds must be collected exclusively through contactless and online giving.
• We must raise the full £10,000 in 6 weeks between 1st February and 16th March 2024 - to meet the matched funding rules.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Organise a Fundraising Event during the 6 weeks of the campaign and advertise it widely.
• Become a Social Media champion - let the wider parish know what we are doing using Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram etc.
• Contact other local organisations within the Parish of Plymstock and Hooe that might be open to helping with our Net Zero project.
• Make your own donation between 1st February and 16th March 2024. 
   

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

Apart from the need to Save the Planet and reduce Energy Costs, this is an opportunity to show our Christian Faith in action.

This project is an investment in the future of our Church and the local community.

It is an opportunity to grow the Church while reducing our environmental footprint; Christ’s Gospel message will reach and engage new people, particularly the young.

Caring for God’s creation and reducing our environmental impact are part of our Christian calling. 

Look out for further details about how to make your contribution. You will be able to use our ‘Give a Little’ terminal or online via links on the Parish website and Facebook page.

It is very important to start giving after 1st February!

After 1st Feb: CLICK HERE to make your donation.

If you have any questions, suggestions, comments etc. please contact one of the GTGG Project Team: Kerry Gilbert, Andrew Eccleston, James Parker.

Or you can email us at: gtgg2030@gmail.com