The Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is now open for churches to enter their 2025 energy use.
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 : environment@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
How do I complete the Energy Footprint Tool?
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 on: environment@peterborough-diocese.org.uk.
Quick fire questions on the EFT