The deadline to submit your church’s 2024 energy data through the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is fast approaching – the tool closes on 30 June 2025. If you haven’t submitted your yearly data yet, now is a great time to get started.
The Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is a quick, easy-to-use tool designed to help your church calculate its carbon footprint using information from your energy bills. It’s an essential step toward understanding your energy usage, enabling you to track progress over time and identify opportunities to reduce emissions and tread lighter on the planet. The EFT is also how the National Church assesses eligibility for grant schemes, so it’s important to complete the tool to be considered for carbon-reducing funding opportunities.
Need help? Join a Weekly Drop-In Session
The Diocese of London has kindly invited churches in Southwark Diocese to join their weekly online EFT drop-in sessions, running every Wednesday from 12:00–13:30 until 26 June. These informal sessions are open to anyone who needs support or has questions.
Drop-in dates:
- 14 May, 12:00–13:30
- 21 May, 12:00–13:30
- 28 May, 12:00–13:30
- 4 June, 12:00–13:30
- 11 June, 12:00–13:30
- 18 June, 12:00–13:30
- 25 June, 12:00–13:30
To join, please email [email protected] to request the Zoom link.
What do you need to fill in the EFT?
All you need are your 2024 energy bills for any church or parish buildings – including electricity, gas, or any other fuels you use. To enter the data, simply log in to the Online Parish Returns System. The online survey takes around 20–30 minutes to complete and can be filled in by treasurers, churchwardens, office managers, or anyone with access to the bills.
If you’re unsure whether a building should be included, there’s an easy-to-use scope checker tool here.
You’ll receive an instant energy usage report once submitted – which you can print and share at any PCC meetings. Just remember to press ‘submit’ so that your entry is finalised!
Need further support?
Contact our Diocesan Environment Officer, Sophie Roberts, who is happy to help: [email protected].
For more information and a walkthrough video explaining how to fill out the tool, head to this page: Energy Footprint Tool now open for 2025 – The Diocese of Southwark.
