Energy efficiency provides an opportunity for any congregation to protect God’s creation, diminish the threat of global warming, reduce pollution, and save money all at once. As Psalm 24 tells us, “the Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” We do not own it; instead, we are called to care for creation as a sacred trust. Global warming harms God’s creation – but when we reduce our energy use, we become better stewards.

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What else can I do?

1. Ask your clergy and governing body to make environmental stewardship an important issue for your congregation.
2. Next, ask your clergy and lay leadership to develop a plan for energy stewardship and utility savings, based on the action list below.
3. Witness to your own personal commitment to reduce the threat of global warming by making your own home more energy efficient, using the list below.

How to Make Energy-Efficient Decisions

NEW PURCHASES. For any congregation involved in new construction, remodeling, or replacing outdated or broken equipment or appliances, the time is ideal to invest in efficient design and products. Future savings in operating and maintenance costs will quickly pay back any extra cost for better products. Often, there is no extra cost!

TAKE TIME TO DISCERN. Energy efficiency and pollution prevention require the thoughtful commitment and action of the people of the congregation. Many good choices and strategies are available to reduce energy waste, save money, and prevent pollution. Supporting the mission of your congregation is an important use of your financial resources – don’t allow those funds to be wasted in a way that actually harms creation!

Some Energy Stewardship Actions You Can Take

• Turn off lights (and other equipment) when not in use.
• Install lighting “occupancy sensors” in some locations (e.g classrooms) to automatically turn off lights when rooms are vacant, and back on when people return.

• Rabbi Howard Gorin at Tikvat Israel Congregation.

  Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), where appropriate. CFLs cost about 75% less to operate, and last about 10 times longer. Read about the Interfaith Light Bulb Challenge!
• Install brighter, safer exit signs . Exit signs that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of incandescent light bulbs can save up to $24 per sign annually on electricity, and prevent up to 500 pounds in emissions.
• “Tune-up” your heating/air-conditioning (HVAC) system before cooling and heating season. Save energy and money, and the system may last years longer.
• Change or wash reusable HVAC filters every month during cooling or heating season. Dirty filters not only overwork the equipment and waste energy, but also don’t do as good a job in cleaning the air.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automate your HVAC system. This device optimizes HVAC operation “24/7” based on your schedule, and can be “overridden.”
• Control direct sun through windows and shades, depending on the season and local climate. During the summer, block direct sunlight, especially from the west. During the winter, southern windows can contribute solar heat during the day.
• Use fans. Fans can help delay or reduce the need for air conditioning, and a temperature setting 3 to 5 degrees higher can feel just as comfortable with fans. Each degree of higher temperature can save about 3% on cooling costs.
• Plug leaks with weather-stripping and caulking. This lets you manage ventilation in a controlled exchange of fresh outdoor air for stuffy inside air.
• Consider replacing your refrigerator if it’s 7 years or older. A new energy-efficient model could pay for itself. At least calculate the cost and benefit of replacement.
• Clean refrigerator coils twice a year . Replace door gaskets if a dollar bill easily slips out between the door’s seals when the door is closed.
• Fix water leaks. Leaks add up to many gallons, much energy and dollars wasted.
• Save water with sink aerators and water-efficient showerheads and toilets.
• Install an insulation blanket on water heaters that are 7 years or older, and insulate the first 3 feet of the heated water “out” pipe on both old and new units.
• Set water heater temperature at 110-120 degrees; this prevents scalds and saves energy.

More Helpful Ideas

Get free technical support, calculations, tools, and information, by joining EPA's Energy Star Congregations Network. There is no cost or obligation. Phone toll free 1-888-STAR-YES (ask for congregations' tech help).

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