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. Not every step has to be taken immediately- take some time to read through the report, thinking about other work the building needs and phase & coordinate Net Zero works with these.
Thinking about phasing the work, churches may want to start with small "Quick Wins", such as switching to LEDs. In parallel, you can prepare for the larger actions, such as replacing your boiler when it fails.
You can contact the Net Zero Property Officer to discuss next steps.