Congregations: An Overview of Energy
Use and Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Congregational Energy Use
America's 300,000 houses of worship spend more than $2 billion on energy each year. To reduce
these expenses, ENERGY STAR helps congregations improve the energy performance
of their facilities.
Consider that if America's houses of worship cut energy use by only 10 percent:
> Nearly $200 million would be saved — money that could be spent on other priorities.
> More than 5.4 billion kWh of electricity would be available without additional
cost and pollution.
> More than 2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented, equivalent to
the emissions from about 400,000 vehicles.
Most congregations can cut energy costs by up to 30 percent through low-cost changes and by
investing strategically in efficient equipment, facility upgrades, and maintenance. With free,
unbiased information and technical support from ENERGY STAR, congregations can not only
save money, but improve their stewardship of America's natural resources.
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
There is no substitute for a comprehensive energy survey and analysis; however, here are
simple steps a congregation can take to improve energy efficiency:
> Measure and track energy performance.
> Turn off lights when not in use or when daylight can be used.
> Purchase energy-efficient products like ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment.
> Install lighting occupant sensors in proper locations.
> Tune up heating/air-conditioning (HVAC) system with an annual maintenance contract.
> Regularly change or clean HVAC filters and install a programmable HVAC thermostat.
> Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent
lights (CFLs).
> Install LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs.
> Control direct sun through windows in both summer and winter to prevent or encourage
heat gain.
> Use ceiling fans for lower-cost comfort.
> Plug air leaks with weather stripping and caulking.
How to Talk to Congregations About Energy Efficiency
Most religious traditions teach stewardship of financial and natural resources. With many
pressing demands on a congregation's financial resources, it only makes sense to practice
better energy stewardship. Congregations are often also at the forefront of activities that care
for the earth. However, congregations frequently lack the time and technical expertise to identify
and implement energy saving opportunities.
Congregations Making a Difference:
Georgetown Gospel Chapel is a 20,000-square foot
property in South Seattle, WA, saving $5,000 each
year by cutting energy use by 50,000 kWh. This
prevents about 60,000 pounds of annual pollution
from entering the environment. Improved insulation
and energy efficient windows keep the cold Seattle
winter out and the warmth inside. The Chapel
completely eliminated the need for one gas furnace
due to conservation and efficiency and greatly
reduced electrical heating needs in the parsonage.
Even more money is being saved with efficient
lighting upgrades.
Congregation Beth EI-Keser Israel (BEKI) in New
Haven, CT, began lighting upgrades in 1999 in its
33,000-square foot synagogue. Recently, BEKI
replaced a 40-year-old A/C unit, saving more than
$6,000 annually. The 35,714 kWh saved are also
preventing about 61,642 pounds of C02 emissions
from being released into the atmosphere each
year.
The Islamic Education Center (IEC) of Potomac,
MD, is saving money and preventing pollution with
common sense energy management. The IEC uses
programmable thermostats throughout the mosque
to save up to 20 percent on heating and air
conditioning costs. The IEC strategically places
artwork over windows to reduce summer heat gain
and glare. The Center also installed high efficiency
T-8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts
when they added space.
Bethesda Lutheran in Ames, IA, is saving about
$5,000 a year. The 71,428 kWh saved prevents
about 100,286 pounds of annual C02 emissions. The
savings are being achieved with compact
fluorescent lights (CFLs) and controls to heat and
cool only occupied rooms. The church purchased
new energy efficient freezers for the food
pantry/kitchen and installed storm windows over
the stained glass windows.
Covington Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Taylor
Mill, KY, is a 4,800-square foot facility with an
adjoining elementary school of nearly
13,600-square feet. The church has upgraded to a
new high efficiency HVAC system, added ceiling
fans, installed programmable thermostats,
light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs, and
emergency lighting, resulting in annual savings of
more than $2,700 and 21,740 kWh. This prevents
about 48,154 pounds of C02 emissions each year.
"Doubting Thomases in the congregation became
convinced once the real financial and
environmental benefits resulted," Building and
Committee chair Adam Palmer said.
ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses
and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
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Congregations: An Overview of Energy
Use and Energy Efficiency Opportunities
How to Talk to Congregations about Energy Efficiency (cont.)
"We don't have the time."
Respond with an ENERGY STAR message: "We understand that many involved in building-related decisions within a congregation are
volunteers, and thattheirtime is precious. Energy-efficiency upgrades are worth your consideration due to the savings and improved
comfort they achieve. Here are some strategies to help your congregation jump-start energy savings with a modest investment of time and
money."
> Askyour congregation members if they can provide professional or technical skills in the many areas where energy can be saved.
> Ask your utility if they offer free or inexpensive energy audits and/or equipment rebates.
> Invite contractors to your house of worship to suggest upgrades and provide free estimates. For a list of service and product providers
in your area, visit ENERGY STAR'S directory atwww.energystar.gov/spp.
> ENERGY STAR'S expertise, tools, and information are readily available and easy to use.
"We don't have the technical expertise."
Congregations may lack members or staff with the technical expertise to identify and implement energy
efficiency projects. However, help is available. The ENERGY STAR Congregations Network provides a variety of
free resources to assist in making sound, money-saving technology decisions.
ENERGY STAR Offers:
- Guides and calculators
- Business benchmarking
- On-line training
- Rebate locators
- Technical support
- Financing resources
- Third-party recognition
- Motivational campaigns
ENERGY STAR Resources
Putting Energy into Stewardship: This online guide is designed to educate and assist the faith community in achieving the benefits of
energy efficiency. It can help identify building equipment and systems that need to be upgraded in order to save money and reduce the
impact on the environment.
Portfolio Manager — Measure and Track Energy Performance: By measuring, tracking, and setting goals for energy use, congregations
can understand how it impacts their budget and the environment. This process can also help them gain control of energy expenses.
Congregations can use EPA's Portfolio Manager tool to benchmark their buildings.
www.energystar.gov/benchmark
Technical Assistance: E-mail your questions to epasmallbiz@energyandsecurity.com. ENERGY STAR assistance ranges from calculations
on energy costs and savings to answering questions about specific technologies.
ENERGY STAR Congregations Network: Join the ENERGY STAR Congregations Network to take advantage of everything ENERGY STAR
has to offer. Congregations that join the Network can receive a free monthly update by e-mail that highlights the latest news and
information on energy efficiency pertinent to their facility's needs.
Recognition for Achievements
Annual Awards: Each year, the ENERGY STAR Congregations Network recognizes outstanding congregations across the nation that are
saving energy, money and preventing pollution. These national award winners receive engraved plaques and local and national public
recognition as great examples of financial and environmental stewardship.
www.energystar.gov/congregations
ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses
and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
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