The Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is now open for all churches in the diocese to enter fuel and power use from 2024.
The simple online tool, which gives churches insights into their carbon footprint, was developed after General Synod voted in February 2020 for the whole of the Church to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. The vote recognised that responding to the climate crisis is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God’s creation and achieve a just world.
Adam Clarke has recently joined the diocese as Net Zero Carbon Programme Manager, fully funded by the national Church of England. His role is to support us in the Diocese of Leicester in our net zero carbon journey and recognises the importance of the Energy Footprint Tool as a crucial part of the project. “One of the most vital pieces of work we need to do now is to see where we actually are in terms of carbon emissions.” says Adam: “Last year about 25% of churches completed the tool, which provided us with some really useful information, but we need more data to properly understand our carbon footprint and what we need to do to reduce it. 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 of Leicester increase.”
All the information you need to fill in the Energy Footprint Tool can be found on your church energy bills and it 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 will mean you may be eligible for grants towards projects that will help your church as we journey together to reach net zero carbon.
You can access the Energy Footprint Tool via the Online Parish Returns System, using the same login used to completed returns for 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.
For further information visit the EFT page on our website. Here you’ll also be able to access two videos - a quick-fire Q&A and a guide to filling out the EFT.