Background Pilot projects to introduce the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in churches throughout Germany have been carried out over the past few years. Support for these projects has been provided through the "Church Environmental Management" programme. At the time of writing, approximately 60 church organizations in Germany were in the process of being EMAS-certified. Further implementation of EMAS in other churches across Europe would seem promising in view of the potential savings in water, energy and office material consumption (estimated to be at least 10%) and the commitment of the personnel. A European eco-management initiative for churches could also considerably increase the acceptance of EMAS in other economic sectors and society in general. Objectives The objectives of the SUSTAINABLE CHURCHES project were as follows: - An integrated Eco-Management and Audit Scheme/Corporate Social Responsibility (EMAS/CSR) model was to be introduced, established and audited in 13 church organisations. - Continuous ecological, social and economic improvements; 10% decrease in consumption (energy, water, office supplies etc); 10% increase in social and environmentally friendly procurements. - EMAS/CSR management model was to be promoted in churches throughout Europe. - Checklists, methodological packages as well as a management handbook were to be made available via the Internet in 3 languages. - Each model organisation was to be developped at least one improved service offer which was competitive and environmentally friendly. - A European network was to be created to promote the application of an integrated EMAS/CSR management system within churches beyond the timescale of the project. Results In the SUSTAINABLE CHURCHES project, the sustainability management system EMASplus was developed in a three year pilot phase, and introduced and successfully piloted in fifteen (thirteen were planned) church-based and social enterprises in Germany, Austria, France and Spain. The stucture and process of EMASplus is based on the proven standard of the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and puts into operation the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The project has been innovative in combining EMAS with the implementation of CSR in order to increase competitiveness. Moreover, the complexity of such a management system was reduced to levels which were affordable and operational for small and medium institutions in the non-profit service sector. Considering that some of the institutions had considerable growth over the project period (heated area, staff), the energy savings (2-10%) and water savings (5-25%) reached the average 10% foreseen in the project proposal. An analysis of the short-term impacts revealed that the greatest benefits were achieved from energy resource savings. Energy savings of up to 10% were achieved on average without the need for any signficant investment. By reducing thermal energy and electricity consumption, CO² emissions were reduced by an average of 19 t per pilot institution per year. It is expected that further savings will be achieved in the coming years. However, quantification is difficult, as very different institutions took part in the project and its implementation is quite recent. The project has also produced other positive effects: better staff motivation and efficiency; improved communication; better awareness of customer requirements; multiplication effect of sound sustainable behaviours; better overall economic results for the institutions. The EMAS/CSR management model was promoted in churches throughout Europe: 4 institutions in 3 other countries are already certified. An international network "Sustainable Churches" will carry on the work after the end of the LIFE project. Checklists, methodological packages as well as a management handbook were developed and are available via the Internet in 3 languages. An open source software, developed in colloboration with the University of Hohenheim, supports and facilitates the introduction of the sustainability management system by documenting processes and providing an enterprise knowledge management system. This software has been accepted by around 20 institutions. At the outset of the project, the beneficiary set up an Advisory board made up of key decision makers from the church, society, politics and the media. This Board has played a positive role in the external dissemination of the project's results. Church organisations as a whole are one of the biggest employers in Germany. Consequently, if the EMASplus system spreads to a substantial share of these organisations, the environmental impact could be large and the multiplication effect high. The chances for this scenario are quite good, as the network of church organisations is characterised by its long existence and by well-established communication systems.