Zurich Reformed Church members approve binding climate targets for buildings

Members of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich voted 52.7% in favor of incorporating binding climate targets into the church's constitution. The measure, which passed on September 27, mandates that church buildings achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. The decision follows months of debate within the church Synod regarding the balance of authority between cantonal bodies and individual parishes.

The approved amendments establish a legal framework for environmental management, including the adoption of the "Green Rooster" certification program. This initiative, managed by the association oeku, aligns church environmental practices with European management standards. Beyond building emissions, the vote encourages the integration of ecological themes into the church's theological education and spiritual life.

While the overall margin was narrow, support varied significantly by region. Voters in the district of Zurich supported the proposal with over 70% approval, while other areas were more divided. Opponents of the measure had expressed concerns that environmental mandates might overshadow the church's primary focus on preaching and pastoral care, whereas supporters emphasized that parishes would retain flexibility in implementing specific measures.