.jpg)
The Diocesan Climate Crisis Group highlights the importance of the Parish Energy Footprint tool in their latest 'Called to Action' tips.
The Parish Energy Footprint Tool
Did you know that your Treasurer or other person has to do a return each year for the Church of England statistics?
This year for the first time, along with finance and attendance, there is a third section called The Energy Footprint Tool. It asks you to put in your church gas and electricity consumption for 2019, and it comes out with a picture of your energy consumption on a scale A-G – much like the Energy Performance Certificate your home may have.
Why should we fill it in?
The Church of England target is to be net zero carbon by 2030. To get there, we need to measure where we are at present, and our progress towards the goal. So if you come out at level G, don't panic! Progress to level F in the first year or two and take it step by step.
What's involved?
There's a bit more work the first time you do it but a lot simpler thereafter. You will need your 2019 fuel bills to hand, know whether you are on a renewable tarriff, know the size of your building (for many churches this is already done for you) and attendance (again, service attendance is done for you, but other church use may not be done). Whoever has the login details for your parish can then put in the details.
Action to take
Please find out who makes the online returns in your parish and make sure the EFT is completed. Offer to help them if needed.
And if there's one further action to take - ask your PCC/treasurer to switch to renewable electricity if they haven't already done so.
