The Diocese of London has set out a plan of action to help reach its goal of cutting emissions across the capital's churches by at least 20.12 per cent by 2012.

Under the action plan, individual churches will be able to tailor their plans according to a new benchmarking system.

A series of environmental audits will be carried out, while a new partnership with the Carbon Trust will offer building solutions for the 479 churches and 147 schools across London parishes. Information on affordable energy saving measures will also be sent out to parishes.

The plan of action falls in line with the Church of England's national programme, Shrinking the Footprint, which is chaired by the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, and asks churches to reduce their carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

Brian Cuthbertson, Diocesan Head of Environmental Challenge, said: “At this time of economic slowdown, it isn't easy to make expensive changes to our buildings.

"But we are keen to save money and keep the lights on! And now is an excellent time to plan efficient long-term responses to energy shortages and climate change.”