Measuring our Footprint

Church organisations at every level have been invited to register their energy use as a baseline for measuring the Church’s Carbon Footprint; this was followed by a simple environmental audit to help plan how to reduce their emissions. This exercise is an essential first step on the Path to "The 20% Church". Unless we know where we are starting from we cannot plan how best to reduce our impact on the environment or monitor how much difference our actions are making.

How can I take part?

Each diocese has a Measuring our Footprint Contact (usually the Diocesan Environment Officer) who will contact parishes and record the results of the questionnaires. You can also obtain copies of the questionnaire and mini-audit below.

Who should join in?

We hope that all cathedrals and churches will join in by responding to their local Measuring our Footprint Contact. Diocesan (and national Church) offices and Bishops’ Palaces will also be invited to take part. However, we encourage any organisation or individual to join in locally.

What is the Audit?

The Audit comprises:

• Questionnaire - to record energy units used in 2005 and other basic information. The results should be sent to your local Measuring our Footprint contact.
• Mini-audit - a simple environmental audit for you to carry out. This will help you learn more about the energy you use and to identify how to begin to cut your carbon footprint.
  
  These forms are free for anyone to use or adapt - just take part.

What next?

If you have taken the first step, you might like to carry out a more detailed review of your activities. Audits for different aspects of church life and other resources may be obtained from Eco-congregation. You can also calculate your own carbon footprint, at actonco2.direct.gov.uk. Or why not have a home energy check from the Energy Saving Trust?

Then move on to the next step on the Shrinking the Footprint Path