The Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is now open for churches to enter energy use for 2025.
Why the EFT matters
Completing the EFT is a small but important step in our shared mission to care for creation. By measuring and reducing energy use, we can take practical steps to combat climate change and live out our calling to care for people and the planet.
By collecting energy data each year, the EFT helps us to build up a clearer picture of our energy use, helping parishes and our diocese to be more strategic in reducing carbon emissions.
How can it help our church?
By filling in the EFT, churches can:
- Gain insight into their carbon footprint and track progress year by year.
- Identify opportunities to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
- Increase their eligibility for net zero funding, as EFT completion is an essential step for grant applications, including Give to Go Green.
- Play a role in the national picture – contributing to the Church of England’s work towards net zero carbon.
Completing the EFT and Training Sessions
All you need to complete the tool is your church’s energy bills from January-December 2025. The tool can be filled in on the Parish Returns website. If you need help accessing the system, get in contact with our Diocesan Environment Officer: [email protected].
Anyone with access to the energy bills can fill in the EFT, including Treasurers, Churchwardens, Administrators and PCC members. It typically takes less than an hour to complete.
A step by step guide is available below, and further information and FAQs can be found on the National Church website. There will also be online training sessions taking place in collaboration with London Diocese on 10th March and 5th May at the following times:
- 12:30-13:30 (lunchtime session)
- 18:30-19:30 (evening session)
The training will include a walkthrough of how to complete the tool, as well as a time to ask questions. To book a session, email your name, church, and preferred session date and time to [email protected].
You can complete the EFT from 12 January until 30 June 2026.
Download a copy of the EFT How To Guide Poster here
Bishop Martin, lead Bishop for the Environment says: ‘We are hugely grateful that 75% of churches took the time to complete the tool last year – this was a huge improvement from 58% the previous year.
The increase has really helped our Net Zero team to be more strategic in planning and targeting resources, and we hope to see even more churches completing the tool this year’.
If you have any questions about the tool or would like support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Diocesan Environment Officer, Sophie Roberts: [email protected].
