The Energy Footprint Tool 2025 returns will be opening on the week commencing 12 January 2026.
Thank you!
We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to each of you who took the time to complete the Energy Footprint Tool 2024 retuns in 2025. Out of our 377 churches, 365 completed their returns. This led to a 97% return rate for the Diocese of Peterborough. This could only be achieved through the time and efforts of our Clergy, Churchwardens, Treasurers and other volunteers. This return rate led us to being the Diocese with the second highest return rate in the Church of England. We also managed to achieve the highest number of church responses within a single Diocese. This gives us a foundation of data, which is integral for our work of caring for creation. We know that the Parish Returns season can be both daunting and time consuming, so we are grateful to each and every one of you.
As a team, we had the honour of giving direct support and assistance to 154 churches churches across the Diocese. We also had the joy of completing portal returns on behalf of 134 churches. This interaction has helped us get to know you better, and create a better foundation of understanding for this new year. We hope that, as we enter a new season of Parish Returns, you will not hesitate to get in touch if you need any support or assistance. We value hearing from you!
Why complete the Energy Footprint Tool this year?
In 2020, The Church of England's General Synod voted to recognise the global climate crisis, and our need to respond to safeguard God's creation and achieve a just world. As part of this response, the Energy Footprint tool was created, to establish a baseline and help churches locally find out their carbon footprint.
The Energy Footprint Tool is also positive to complete as the reports:
- Are increasingly important to assist with the appliction for funding and grants.
- Help to inform PCC conversations for how to care for creation.
- Help assist with Eco Church applications.
- Inform Diocesan visits to your parishes, including DAC applications.
- Shine a light on which parishes need Diocesan support the most.
What do I need to get ready before completing my returns?
Once you have all your information together, a lot of the Energy Footprint Tool returns are completely in 30-minutes or under. The key is to be prepared. Here is a list of everything you will need to complete your 2025 returns (you will need a separate note for each meter you have):
- Your 2025 energy readings for each energy source (kWh, cubic metres, litres)
- The amount of money your church spent on each energy source in 2025
- Who your energy provider is for each source of energy
Additional questions you may want information for are:
- The average number of days your building is open for worship and other activities during 2025
- How old your heating system is
- If you have PV power - how much the building generated in 2025
Who completes the Energy Footprint Tool returns?
The communication between the Diocese and your Parish will mainly be via the Churchwardens and Treasurers. However, this task can be completed by any volunteer within your church family.
If you do not have a log-in to the Parish Returns Portal, or need assistance with your returns, please email Joanna on: environment@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
How do I complete the Energy Footprint Tool?
Option 1 - The Diocese of Peterborough Word Document
The simplest way to complete your return is to complete the Diocesan word document. The attachment for this will be included below once the returns open in mid-January.
Once you have completed the word document you can either email it to Joanna on: environment@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or you can post it to: Environment Team, Unit 1 Bouverie Court, 6 The Lakes, Northampton, NN4 7YD.
Option 2 - The Parish Returns Portal
The other way you can complete your return is by logging into the Church of England's Parish Returns Portal. You can log in by clicking on this link: Parish Returns Portal.
If you do not have a log-in for the Parish Returns portal, please email Joanna on: environment@peterborough-diocese.org.uk.
Quick fire questions on the EFT