Energy Footprint Tool – have you tried it yet?

Across the Diocese of Gloucester, we have committed to reducing our emissions by 80% by 2030. This is an ambitious target and one that we will need to work together to achieve. See the diocesan Environment Policy 2021 (minor amendments to be ratified by Diocesan Synod)

Caring for our planet is no longer an optional extra – if we don’t take action now to reduce our emissions, the poorest and most vulnerable countries will be the ones who suffer most and there will be significant challenges across the world.

Although the science of the environmental crisis gives particular urgency, caring for creation has always been important for Christians. It is one of the Five Marks of Mission, firmly rooted in Christian mission and discipleship and biblical faith.

We’re encouraging all churches to try out the Energy Footprint Tool. You can access it through the Parish Returns Hub and it’s a really useful way to keep tabs on your progress as a church. It will open on 30 March for inputting of 2020 data.

What is the data used for?

If you’re interested in finding out more about the results from last year’s data, to see what our current carbon footprint is and how far there is to go, you can download the report here.

If you’re looking forward to getting started, here is a video which gives you a quick run down of the information you’ll need to complete the survey. 2020 will be an unusual year due to the number of church closures.

You’ll get a score for efficiency based on building size and another for efficiency based on congregation size (a per person, per hour score). There will be some suggestions for changes you can make to reduce your emissions for the coming year.

It’s free to use and is a really good baseline for the changes we need to make in order to care for both nature itself and future generations. It can also help your church to work towards an Eco Church Award. The diocesan Environment Group will be using the data to help inform our next steps as we seek to achieve a greener future.

The EFT is one of the tools being introduced by the national C of E Environment team. The 45 minute video gives a positive and non technical vision of a zero carbon church.