One very special Episcopal parish is being honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its outstanding achievements in energy efficiency. All Saints Parish of Brookline, Massachusetts has won the 2003 ENERGY STAR® for Congregations Award for saving nearly $4,900 a year on its utility bills, despite an increase in operating hours.
To increase the energy efficiency of its facility, All Saints installed a relatively comprehensive upgrade. First, their local utility company NStar provided an energy audit and installed energy-efficient replacement fixtures, including T-8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts. The congregation replaced their 30-year-old steam boiler with a high-efficiency gas-fired condensing mode hot-water boiler and hydronic-heating system. They also replaced all of their steam radiators with more efficient units designed for hot water systems. The system was then divided into nine heating zones, each with its own in-space programmable thermostat and a central digital controller for the heating plant.
The congregation's staff has also initiated utility purchasing strategies to reduce natural gas costs, and is purchasing green power generated from 100 percent renewable resources.
All Saints has received public recognition from the Boston Globe and the "Green Energy Congregation Award" from Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light. Their combined effort has resulted in gas savings of 6,800 therms, and is preventing nearly 78,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution per year. That's the equivalent to planting 11 acres of trees annually.
All Saints' Senior Warden Laura Kennard and the Rev. David Killian encourage other congregations to implement energy-efficiency practices.
"We have learned that you can do well by doing good since upgrades save money while they save the earth. We are especially proud of being the first 'all green' congregation in Massachusetts with our 100% purchase of green power," said Vennard.
"We hope other congregations will see the long-term financial wisdom of energy efficiency ... and will begin to make their energy decisions in light of their faith," added Killian.
In addition to religious worship, the congregation uses its space for day care, public assemblies, and educational activities. All Saints frequently participates with other religious organizations and groups, and is a member of the Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light (MIP&L). MIP&L is a non-profit initiative that helps Massachusetts congregations of every religious tradition to reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and promote non-polluting, renewable energy in houses of worship and related buildings.
ENERGY STAR for Congregations Award applications are accepted throughout the year, and can be found at www.energystar.gov/congregations. Deadline for submitting applications each year is Earth Day, April 22.
More than 9,000 organizations participate in ENERGY STAR for Small Business and Congregations, a voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that helps building owners and operators cut energy waste and prevent pollution through energy efficiency. For information call 1-888-STAR YES or visit www.energystar.gov/congregations.
