Preserving our precious gift of creation is something we should be thinking about and acting upon every day as Christians.
One of the ways churches can tackle climate change is through reducing the carbon released from their buildings into the atmosphere.
Has your church filled in the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) yet?
The Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is an easy-to-use online tool that will reveal your church’s carbon footprint, based on the energy you use to heat and light your buildings.
All the information you need to fill in the EFT can be found on your church energy bills and should take less than an hour to complete.
As well as being of use at a diocesan level, data collected from the tool will help your church understand its own carbon footprint and could result in savings on energy bills.
Churches may also be eligible for grants that will help kickstart their carbon reducing projects as we journey together to reach Net Zero Carbon.
Adam Clarke, Net Zero Carbon Programme Manager for the Dioceses of Leicester and Peterborough, said: “To date, almost one in three parishes (31%) in the Diocese of Leicester has completed the EFT. It’s encouraging to see many churches recording their carbon footprint in this way for the very first time – and it’s a good start – but it would be wonderful if we could push this percentage higher.”
Across the Church of England, Leicester is one of 12 dioceses which have achieved over 30% so far.
Adam added: “This year, it’s easier than ever for churches to complete the tool and we’re doing more to raise awareness so I’m hopeful for a much higher response.
“Last year one diocese achieved a 100% response rate, so I look forward to seeing our take-up in the diocese increase.”
There’s a whole host of resources available to help you fill out the EFT, including a new ‘How To’ video. There is also a practical guide to help your church reach Net Zero Carbon.
Deadline for completion is 30 June 2025.
You can access the Energy Footprint Tool via the Online Parish Returns System, using the same
login as your Statistics for Mission and Return of Parish Finance: Visit Parish Returns Online.
If you require a portal login please email Statistics@LeicesterCofE.org and make a request.
If you require any assistance email Adam.Clarke@LeicesterCofE.org
For further information visit the EFT page on our website.