Today is Earth Day! And today we are reminded of our shared responsibility to care for God’s creation and to act with urgency for the sake of future generations. In the Diocese of Liverpool, this calling is lived out in practical ways as we seek to respond to the Fifth Mark of Mission: to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
The Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is now live and ready for churches across the diocese to enter their energy usage for 2025. This simple act of reporting is a vital part of how we exercise faithful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
Last year, 54% of our churches submitted their EFT. This year, we are encouraging even wider participation across the Diocese of Liverpool. Each submission strengthens our collective understanding and commitment to caring for creation, helping us move forward together in sustainability for generations to come.
Recording your energy use may feel like a small administrative task, but it is an important expression of Christian stewardship. Every footprint we measure is part of a wider picture of how we live, worship, and care for the world God has made. By taking time to record and reflect on our energy use, we are taking practical steps to reduce environmental impact, respond to climate change, and love our neighbours – especially those most affected by its consequences.
Completing the EFT is also a key part of the Church of England’s journey towards its shared commitment to reach net zero carbon. Each year’s data helps build a clearer national picture of emissions across our churches, enabling more informed decisions and more effective action together.
It is also increasingly important operationally: EFT completion is required for parishes wishing to apply for national net zero funding, including Quick Wins Grants that can support improvements such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and low-carbon heating systems.
The Net Zero Carbon Team will continue to provide updates, guidance, and resources to support churches as they complete the tool. If you need assistance, please contact Phil Leigh, Diocesan Environmental Officer and NZC2030 Programme Lead (phil.leigh@liverpool.anglican.org), who is available to help with EFT submissions.
Why completing the EFT matters
By taking part, your church will gain:
A clearer understanding of energy use
Helping identify where and when energy is being used across the year, and where reductions may be possible.
Insight into reducing costs
Highlighting areas of inefficiency that could help lower energy bills through informed decisions.
Access to national net zero funding
Completion is now a requirement for eligibility for certain Church of England funding streams.
Contribution to the national picture
Your data helps the Church of England track progress towards its net zero 2030 commitment.
Together, every submission helps build a more accurate and faithful picture of how we are caring for creation across our churches and communities.
Who can complete the EFT?
The tool can be completed by anyone with access to your church’s energy information, including:
- Churchwardens
- Treasurers
- Administrators
- PCC members responsible for buildings or finance
It usually takes less than an hour to complete.
What you’ll need
To complete the EFT, you will need:
- Gas, electricity, and other fuel bills covering January–December 2025
- Meter readings or billing information for each supply
- Basic details about your church building(s)
You can save your progress and return to the form at any point during the open window.
As we mark Earth Day, this is an opportunity to renew our commitment not only in words, but in action: to live more lightly on the earth, to steward what we have been given, and to take our place in God’s ongoing work of renewal and reconciliation with creation.
