The Eco Group is a small team led by Patricia Chapman which facilitates a variety of environmental related activities both practical and spiritual which aim to have a positive influence on the behaviour of congregation members and users of the Church grounds and premises. The Group works closely with other Church Committees, particularly the Property Committee and reports regularly to the Congregational Board. The Group also maintains a close relationship with Transition Linlithgow which is an active environmental organisation who work on behalf of the local community. The Church acheived a Gold Award from Eco Congregation Scotland in March 2018. In the words of the assessors, this award was in recognition of a vibrant and enthusiastic congregation, providing examples of good practice collectively and individually as well as clearly making a diffrerence locally, nationally and internationally.
The most significant project the Group has been involved with was the Refurbishment and Insulation Project in the Longcroft Halls which was fully funded through grants from the Climate Challenge Fund (£42,000) and the Landfill Trust (£38,000). This has made the major contribution in reducing our energy consumption in the halls: 35% for electricity and 45% for gas – thereby generating cost savings in the region of £1,200 per annum. Our recent energy use can be seen here
The work of the Group is ongoing and would welcome any new members who feel they would like to contribute and bring some fresh ideas. The original group action plan with outcomes can be found here with the latest update here
Our Eco Team representing Eco Congregation Scotland at a seminar hosted by the Scottish Parliament
Congregation members arriving at our Walk to Church Sunday
Receiving our Gold Award
Our award is on display in the Longcroft Memorial Hall.
Building of vegetable beds in the Church field.
Fruits of the garden from the labours of 1st Steps Cafe volunteer gardeners.
Members of the Eco Group