Like your place of work, your house of worship can be a great place to help save the planet while saving money and promoting a healthy environment. And like work, where you worship is often overlooked when thinking about environmental stewardship. But stewardship is a core value of worship. According to the Department of Energy, a well maintained and strategically upgraded congregational building can cut energy costs by 30%. Much of the following guide is taken from the DOE's website ENERGY STAR for congregations.
Morgantown church of Christ, Mon County
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Whether large or small, almost any congregation can save money. Many of your smaller projects will be a mix between home and workplace practices so check out those sections of the site for tips on saving water and energy while developing a healthier atmosphere.
To get you started, try to gather a group of people who are willing to help as a team. Make it a habit to turn off unused lights, check for water leaks in the faucets and toilets, and recycle cans, bottles, and paper.
Go around and check all the weatherstripping in doors and windows, replacing worn out pieces where needed. Replace old light bulbs with CFLs and clean out the HVAC filters on a regular basis. When its comes time to replace appliances and electronics, choose from Energy Star rated products.
Plant deciduous trees along sunny sides of the building and seasonally close drapes and blinds on warm days and open them on cold days. Try to use as much natural light as you can.
Install programmable Energy Star thermostats and close off unused rooms. Also keep people informed but be sensitive to your congregation when making choices as to how you'll cut energy waste.
These are just a few tips that can create big savings through the years.
To identify the larger projects, check with your local utility for programs, rebates, or energy audits that they may provide free of charge or at a reduced rate. Identify and call in contractors with a track record or at least an interest in energy-efficiency for free estimates.
Almost all smaller energy-efficiency projects are without cost or are very inexpensive. These normally require only a concerned citizenry willing to change their habits a bit and take responsibility for caring for the facilities. In return the congregation can start saving money on the very first day.
For larger projects money need not necessarily be a barrier. Energy Star for congregations has links to a number of possible sources in its Putting Energy into Stewardship congregational guide.
Either way, remember that you are planning for the long term and trying to cut costs during the purchase of new systems, appliances, electronics, or even light bulbs will put you at the mercy of the certainty of rising energy costs now and for the for seeable long term future. New, energy-efficient, and more reliable products will pay for themselves and help create a positive cash flow.
Here's a simple Energy Star list to help you find a contractor for this or any type of project.
Use the Service and Product Provider Directory to search for local contractors and energy professionals.
It might be difficult to decide where to start on any project, especially if this is your first energy-efficiency effort. Make it easy on yourself and try the low hanging fruit approach. As already mentioned, these are simple, free or inexpensive, projects that utilize your best asset, your concerned people. You can find a great list of these projects at the congregational guides' Sure Energy Tips.
In this guide you'll find easy-to-do tips on lighting, office equipment, water, heating and cooling, kitchen and food service, and funding.
Once you've seen the benefit of environmental and energy stewardship, you may be ready for larger opportunities. At this level you'll deal with many of the same issues plus pay more attention to the building shell.
Many of your first time and smaller projects can be handed off to and managed by a dedicated team of insiders. For larger and more costly projects you'll need to be very vigilant with your congregational funds. For advice go to Energy Star's Managing Projects guide.
Remember, for much more information, tips, advice, and direction visit Energy Star's Congregational Guide. As an added bonus, you can qualify for national recognition for your congregation's efforts. See the site for more details.