Eco Church Update: Gold Status Achieved
St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, is proud to announce that it has been awarded prestigious Gold Eco Church Status. St Mary’s is the first church in Stepney Area, and only the third in London, to receive this accolade.
The award recognises St Mary’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility; promotion of a sustainable future and care for God’s creation.
The Eco Church Award, awarded by A Rocha UK, is a national initiative that supports and encourages churches in their efforts to make a positive environmental impact. The Gold award is the highest level of recognition, demonstrating a church’s comprehensive and innovative approach to environmental responsibility.
In order to achieve Gold Status St. Mary’s implemented many initiatives including:
St Mary’s Festival 2024 focussed on creation care. It included a free evening of poetry and music with the theme of ‘Water’; and a free Repair Shop with local businesses and environmental groups
A major (£0.5m) project to open up the north gardens made the area a much more accessible and attractive place. It is now widely used.
Host regular environmental discussion, film and book groups
The St Mary’s Gardens Group manage and renew the rose garden; take part in St Mary’s annual ‘Bulb Sunday’ and are planning a wildflower meadow and a climate resilient garden
Installed draught proofing on all the external doors to the Church and Crypt in 2018, and LED lighting in the Crypt and on the portico in 2019. Installed movement-sensitive and variable timer lights
Installed thermal insulation in organ loft in 2021 and more recently insulated boiler room pipes to reduce heat loss
Rev. James Hughesdon, Vicar of St Mary Islington, said: “We are overjoyed to have been awarded Gold Eco Church status. It has been many years in the making and is testament to the hard work of St Mary’s staff and volunteers who have worked hard to embed eco-friendly practices in all aspects of church life.
“The achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to safeguarding God’s creation and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. We hope our efforts inspire others in the community and beyond to take meaningful action for the planet.”
To celebrate the achievement St. Mary Islington will host a celebration service on Sunday 4 May at 3pm. The service will be hosted by the Bishop of Stepney and be followed by the unveiling of the gold status plaque and refreshments. Please email imogen.erskine@stmaryislington.org if you plan to attend and let her know any dietary requirements.