Working together to achieve Net Zero

Following the February 2020 General Synod commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030, the March Diocesan Synod declared a Climate Emergency and committed to Net Zero by 2030. The EFT is an important tool in helping us all work towards that target. The closing date for filling out your Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is now 31 August 2023.

The EFT is an easy-to-use tool which allows churches to enter their utility bills to find out what their ‘carbon footprint’ is annually, based on the energy used to heat and light buildings. 

It can be found on the Online Parish Returns System. The system uses the information already held about your church to populate your answers. This means you are only asked for a small amount of additional information.

To enter your data before 31 August 2023 you will need your 2022 electricity, gas or oil bills. From that the EFT will work out the amount of carbon produced by heating and lighting your church buildings. There are two useful graphs that show your efficiency scores: one for energy efficiency based on building size and one for attendance. It can also take account of separate buildings such as church halls, as long as you have the utility bills for them.

The tool also offers some helpful tips to reduce your carbon emissions. Using the tool each year will help you to track the impact of the different steps you are taking to reduce your carbon footprint.

A comprehensive guide to using the  EFT can be found on the dedicated instructions sheet. The demonstration video below helps guide you through each step.

If you need more help please email Dan Wills, Net Zero Support Assistant or Sara Emett, Climate Justice & Environment Advisor.