Energy Footprint Tool
Thank you to all churches that engaged with the Energy Footprint Tool this year. 102 churches engaged with the EFT, representing 56% of churches across the Birmingham diocese. The EFT will reopen next year for churches to submit their energy usage data for 2021.
All churches that submitted returns will now have a clearer understanding of their carbon footprint for 2020, which can act as a baseline figure in future years as we all work towards the Church of England target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
At least 7 of our churches have already achieved net zero carbon emissions because electricity is the only fuel used in the church building and the church has signed up to a renewable electricity tariff. 38% of the churches that engaged with the Energy Footprint Tool this year have signed up to a renewable electricity tariff, which is a large increase on last year. Switching to a renewable electricity tariff is a key action that churches can take to reduce carbon emissions, so thank you to all churches that have already made this switch.
Energy Audits
The green energy broker, Green Journey, is continuing to offer free energy surveys for your church buildings. Green Journey have been carrying out surveys for churches across Birmingham over the past few months. If you are interested in finding out more about Green Journey’s offer for a free energy audit as well as their green energy tariffs, please contact their Account Manager, Craig Hogg, at craig@greenjourney.org.
Parish Buying are also offering the chance for churches to apply for a subsidised Energy Audit, which finds out how and where to reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint. There are 100 subsidised Energy Audits available, the usual cost of an audit is £445 (+ VAT). Qualifying churches will receive a subsidy of £200, making the price £245 + VAT. Further information can be found here
If you have further questions about the CofE net zero carbon project or how your church can become engaged, please contact netzerocarbon@cofebirmingham.com