For some communities of faith, efficiency extends beyond the walls of their building and into aspects of their church operations. Retrofitting their buildings has brought on curiosity in discovering new opportunities to enhance efficiency and stewardship. This has inspired communities to think creatively about how they can further optimize their resources and serve their community more effectively.
Last month, Park Royal United Church (Charlottetown, PE) received its one-year post-retrofit energy data for the Faithful Footprints funded project they carried out in 2023. The project involved installing seven heat pumps in its sanctuary, entranceway, and the area used by their daycare.
Park Royal United wasted no time and continued to seek additional ways to improve efficiency around its church. Energized by the success of their heat pump installation, Park Royal took on another efficiency project by installing an electric charging station for their minister.
Garth Sanderson, Treasurer at Park Royal United Church shares how the project came about:
"It all started with a phone call from Rev. Christine MacLeod, our minister, about 7 pm regarding church business. During our conversation, I asked her if she was still at the office working. To my surprise, she replied that she was at Hillside Motors (a car dealership) charging her car. My first thought was that we needed a more efficient way for Rev. Christine to use her time. A few days later, I discussed this with a church member who is also an electrician, and the idea was born.
We installed an outside plug suitable for a car charger. Mr. Alan Brown, a dedicated church member, built a secure box with doors around the plug to ensure safety. Rev. Christine had the charging cord and purchased a lock, so she is the only one with access to the plug. The total cost was $480 for the electrician and about $150 for the box supplies, totaling $630.
Rev. Christine and I worked out a payment plan for the electricity used on the days her car is plugged in. To date, this arrangement is working well, proving to be a winning idea for both the minister and the church. Rev. Christine now has a fully charged car when she leaves the office, allowing her to dedicate more time to church business and enjoy some well-deserved free time."