Final week for churches to use the Energy Footprint Tool

This week is the final chance for churches to enter their 2023 fuel and power usage data on the Energy Footprint Tool, closing on 31 July.

This work is an essential part of caring for God’s Creation, by helping to combat global heating and climate change.

Understanding your church’s carbon footprint

The Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) will tell your church what your carbon footprint is, based on the energy you use to heat and light your buildings.

Church grants

Your church might be eligible for grants to help kickstart net zero projects. The available grants (including how to access) can be found here.

Using the Energy Footprint Tool

The EFT can be found on the Church of England website here. The online EFT tool is accessed via the new green box in the Parish Returns system.

Gather Your Data: Collect your utility bills for 2023, including electricity, gas, oil, or other fuels. If you have solar panels, include data on their energy generation.
Enter the Data: Use the online Parish Returns system to input your energy figures. You’ll need an estimate of your church’s floor area and the number of person-hours it’s used annually.
Receive Your Report: After entering the data, you’ll get a report on your computer or smartphone detailing your church’s carbon footprint in CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) and an assessment of your building’s efficiency.

Top tips to filling in the EFT from Alison Moulden, DEO from the Diocese of Guildford.

The road to net zero

The Church of England aims to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, a goal established by the General Synod in February 2020. Reaching this goal involves using low carbon heating systems and switching to green energy tariffs from suppliers that invest in renewable energy, such as Ecotricity and Octopus.

Useful resources from our diocese

Read our Q and A on the Energy Footprint Tool with our diocesan Environmental Engagement Officer the Revd Dr Cate Williams, who provides all the information needed to complete the form efficiently and effectively.

Read and watch here the Eco Church team at St George’s Church in Cam explain to Bishop Robert how they used last year’s EFT to reduce their energy usage, carbon footprint, and bills.