What is an energy audit?
Energy audits assess a church’s current energy use and building condition, using this to identify the suitable energy efficiency works that can be undertaken. As well as identifying actions, audits will also rule out any which are unsuitable for the building's heritage, construction or usage.
Different companies may refer to energy audits by alternative names, such as energy efficiency reports or heating options appraisals. These reports may have some differences- in particular, a heating options appraisal will consider what heating systems are suitable for a church and the feasibility of those options in a historic context, but will not consider other fabric changes.
Churches can use the Guidance for Auditors document to work with a company and ensure the report they receive meets their needs.
Why should we get one for our church?
The Methodist Church has an aspirational target to reach Net Zero by 2030. While it is part of our calling as Christians to care for creation, the technical reality of Net Zero works can feel overwhelming. An energy audit will help with information gathering and prepare you for action.
Having an audit will also help you to access funding- you will be ready, with a thought-out plan, to apply for grants as soon as they open and won't run the risk of missing out due to short application windows. It also demonstrates to grant funders your commitment to this work. For more information, see the Fundraising for Net Zero Projects page.
Is there any funding to help with the cost?
There is feasibility funding. Your district may also have funding available- please contact them directly to ask. You could also ask if there are other churches in the district looking to have an energy audit. Some companies may offer a discount if several churches book together.
Click here for general funding for net zero guidance.
Energy Auditors
If you know of a local auditor who you would like to work with, you can use the Guidance for Auditors as part of the commissioning process. This will help to guide the audit, making sure you get good value for money and receive a useful report.
Alternatively, you may want to work with an auditor from the Auditor Directory, made up of companies who have worked with churches previously. If you have worked with an auditor you would recommend, who is not on the Directory, please let the Net Zero Property Officer know.
What to do after an energy audit?
The energy audit will give the church clear, actionable steps to reach net zero. The first thing to do is take some time to read through the report- you do not need to action everything in it straight away.
Next, consider how you will phase the work. Rather than expecting to do one net zero retrofit, you may want to start with "Quick Wins". This could include making sure all the bulbs are LEDs, switching to a green energy tariff or dealing with draughts and damp. These smaller actions will make a difference to your carbon footprint, even whilst you plan for bigger ones.
Thirdly, consider how you might be able to combine net zero works with other building works, such as ones highlighted in the quinquennial report. For example, if installation of solar PV is recommended and the quinquennial highlighted roof repairs are needed, these could be combined, saving on the cost of hiring scaffolding twice.
Finally, use the estimated costs the energy audit provides to plan your fundraising efforts.
- How much of the cost to reach net zero can be met by the church?
- What external funding is needed?
- Is there circuit or district funding available?
For more information, see the Fundraising for Net Zero page.
For examples of how energy audits can lead to action, see the Scotforth Road, Lancaster and Wesley Church Centre, Chester case studies. You can also contact the Net Zero Property Officer to discuss the next steps for your church.