Don't wait to access energy savings and efficiency options for your community of faith! Put your faith into action and take steps today that will benefit your congregation and creation tomorrow!
Top places to start with energy efficiency:
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Lighting upgrades often pay for themselves in a year or two and result in significant electricity savings. In addition to changing out incandescents for LEDs or fluorescents for T-LEDs, consider motion sensors.
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Weatherization such as caulking and air sealing is relatively low-cost and can reduce drafts, improving comfort and reducing heating costs.
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Boiler tune-ups can yield savings with relatively low initial investment, and your utility may offer attractive rebates that cover the majority of the cost (see University Lutheran's story below).
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Wi-Fi thermostats can help you reduce energy waste by increasing your ability to control your building's temperature at a distance and on-demand (through your smart phone).
University Lutheran Church, East Lansing accessed huge savings and rebates through their utility.
Utility programs offer free energy assessments, rebates and incentives on projects, and instant discounts on qualified purchases.For University Lutheran Church in East Lansing, utility rebates: 1. covered 50-75% of the cost of upgrading the interior lighting throughout the building In Michigan, because of state energy legislation, our utilities are required to help their customers reduce their energy waste. That's why there are several ways to get discounts and rebates on energy saving projects. Connect with your utility provider for information on free energy assessments, rebates and incentives on projects and instant discounts on qualified purchases. |
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) can provide you with 30% or more back on specific project costs through the direct pay (also known as elective pay) program.The IRA offers financial incentives for:
National Interfaith Power & Light has put together a webpage about IRA opportunities for congregations: Federal Funding for Houses of Worship. |
St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Detroit found denominational grant funding to replace old, single paned windows in their historic building. As a result, the congregation has been better equipped to generate revenue by renting space with an improved building envelope.
Financing is often provided at low rates for faith communities.Michigan Saves is a green bank that offers financing for an array of energy improvements. Qualifying commercial and municipal customers could access 0% interest rates for eligible improvements, like building insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, solar energy, and more.
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Our recommendations for Michigan congregations:
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Education and Inspiration for Congregational Energy Efficiency
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Watch our Energy Stewardship Webinar In this webinar, you will learn:
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Check out other past webinars:
- How Royal Oak First United Methodist Church renovated their historic building for energy efficiency and solar.
- How Victorious Believers Ministries (Saginaw) used Consumers Energy rebates to upgrade their parking lot lighting and add high-efficiency LEDs to the gymnasium, and how they plan to upgrade the lighting in the sanctuary.
Inspire and Equip Others
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Help us inspire and equip others in the Michigan IPL network by telling us about how your congregation is putting faith into action.
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