In the pursuit of environmental stewardship and responsible care for the environment, churches across the United States are finding innovative ways to save energy and reduce emissions. One such example is the Hamline Church United Methodist in St. Paul, Minnesota, which embarked on an energy audit for its nearly 100-year-old building back in 2017. Diane Krueger, a lay leader of the church's "EarthKeepers" team, recounted how the audit identified cost-effective upgrades like insulating heating pipes and switching to energy-efficient LEDs for lighting, leading to substantial energy and cost savings over the years.
Energy audits have emerged as a valuable tool for churches seeking to decrease their energy consumption. Architects suggest that each church's unique characteristics necessitate a tailored approach. During the audit process, consultants spend time examining caulking, weather stripping, light fixtures, appliances' water flow, and both water and air system leaks. The gathered data is then used to formulate an audit report, identifying areas where electricity is being consumed and proposing energy-saving measures.
Rick Archer, a founding partner at Overland Partners Architecture + Urban Design, stresses the importance of energy audits for churches. He believes it is a more effective approach than merely installing new fixtures like low-flow toilets. According to him, it's essential to look for water leaks in the system, as they might be consuming more water than flushing toilets.
Heather Holdridge, sustainability director at Lake|Flato Architects in San Antonio, highlights the benefits of an energy audit. The data collected allows churches to create predictive energy models, enabling them to compare various energy efficiency scenarios. For instance, churches can evaluate the cost and energy saved by replacing windows, adding film tints, or implementing shading structures. This approach empowers churches to make well-informed decisions regarding energy upgrades with reasonable payback periods.
Building upon their initial energy audit, Hamline Church United Methodist completed another audit that identified additional opportunities to install LED lights and implement other upgrades. In some cases, municipalities offer free energy audits, while others might require churches to hire external contractors.
Beyond building energy efficiency, churches can also contribute to reducing emissions related to congregants' transportation. A 2017 Baylor Religion Survey revealed that the majority of U.S. Christians travel less than 15 minutes to church, with a significant percentage traveling less than 5 minutes. To promote alternative transit methods, Hamline Church encouraged congregants to carpool, but the initiative faced limited success due to inadequate promotion.
Heather Holdridge recommends churches to survey their congregants on distance and transportation methods to facilitate carpooling initiatives. Sara Joy Proppe, director and founder of the Proximity Project, advocates for creating a safe environment that encourages congregants to bike or use public transportation. Providing bike and bus routes on church websites can boost confidence in using alternative transit methods.
Additionally, churches can contribute to reducing emissions by revisiting their landscaping choices. By planting native species on their property, churches can better suit the local ecosystem and reduce water usage and maintenance costs. Replacing parts of parking lots with green spaces and native plants can also mitigate the "heat island effect," which causes higher temperatures during the day and night.
To maximize the use of parking spaces, churches can consider partnerships with electricity companies to install solar-panel shade coverings, creating shade, clean energy, and potential financial benefits for the congregation.
Moreover, churches can make a significant impact by extending the use of their spaces beyond worship times. By allowing their facilities to be utilized by the community, churches can reduce the need for new buildings and community centers, aligning with the concept of sustainable architecture.
While implementing energy-friendly building systems is vital, the energy behavior of occupants is equally crucial. Simple reminders to turn off lights or reduce water use can make a difference, as well as displaying real-time energy usage on an "energy dashboard." The Hamline Church utilizes an Energy Star Portfolio Manager to monitor their energy usage throughout the year, helping them track savings from adopting LED lightbulbs and identifying patterns of high energy consumption during colder months.
In conclusion, creative solutions for saving energy and reducing emissions are within reach for churches. From energy audits to promoting alternative transportation and sustainable landscaping, every small step can contribute to a more environmentally responsible and energy-efficient future.
