February 2023

Monthly Highlight

Faithful Footprints recognition outside of The Margaret Miller Mechanical Room at Port Stanley United Church (Colborne, ON)

Project insights further on in the newsletter

New To Program 

Bedeque United Church (Bedeque, PE)    

Completed Projects

Comox United Church (Comox, BC) 

Received a grant in support of the replacement of gas furnaces with heat pumps. 

 

Received a grant in support of the replacement of all compact fluorescent lights on the entire lower level of its facility with LEDs; the replacement of the backlighting of enclosed stained glass with LED fixtures; and the replacement of halogen stage lights with theater-quality LED fixtures.

 

Received a grant in support of the replacement of a boiler with a highly efficient natural gas unit; the replacement of non-reversible ceiling fans with five-speed reversible ceiling fans; and the installation of an electric potable water heater.

 

Received a grant in support of the replacement of an oil fired steam furnace with multiple heat pumps. 

 

Received a grant in support of the replacement of natural gas furnaces with an air-sourced heat pump system; and the replacement of windows in the sanctuary with frosted triple glass windows.

Received a grant in support of the replacement of oil furnaces with heat pumps; and the construction of a building addition to house an additional electrical panel. A year following its projects, Berwick United reduced its GHG emission by 36.0%, and energy costs by 48.3%.

 

Received a grant in support of the replacement of a hot water tank, oil tank, oil furnaces with electric furnaces, and electrical panel; the replacement of a window, industrial fridge, and rangehood in the kitchen, and four doors with panic bars; the installation of a dishwasher, and electric fans and LED lights in its sanctuary, vestry, kitchen, and office. A year following its projects, Beulah United reduced its GHG emission by 99.4%, and energy costs by 26.0%.

 

Received a grant in support of the installation of solar panels and a heat recovery ventilation system; the replacement of fluorescent lights with LEDs, refrigerator and stand up freezer; and the insulation of crawl space ductwork under sanctuary. A year following its projects, Ralph Connor United reduced its GHG emission by 26.7%, natural gas usage by 8.9%, electricity usage by 42.4%, and energy costs by 26.0%.

To learn more about about Ralph Connor Memorial United's Faithful Footprints supported projects, read our blog ‘A Great Team Making Great Decisions - Ralph Connor Memorial United Church’.

 

Received a grant in support of the replacement of an entrance door, and two refrigerators. A year following its projects, Winchester United reduced its GHG emission by 9.7%, natural gas usage by 10.5%, electricity usage by 24.4%.

Inspiration 

Community donations and ministry savings are not always enough to single-handedly pay for building renovations. Grants, rebates, and other financial incentives can help support congregations to complete these otherwise non-attainable renovations. Read our recent blog "Finding Funding: Middlewood United works to remain of service to its community".

Features: Middlewood United Church (Middlewood, NS)

Faithful Footprints Monthly Blogs are published the 2nd Wednesday of every month

 

How to Make Faith Buildings more Energy Efficient

Ben Grieder, Energy efficient expert and previous Faithful Footprints Atlantic Regional Coordinator at Ecology Action Centre discusses how to improve energy efficiency in faith buildings, access financial supports and build community in the process.

Opportunities 

Faithfully Green Fund: Virtual Info Session

Greening Sacred Spaces Ottawa (GSS) and the Sustainable Capacity Foundation are working to raise $1M in community bonds through its Faithfully Green Fund to address the financial barriers and support local faith communities with its retrofit projects. The fund is a revolving loan program for faith communities and an investment opportunity for those looking to make a sustainable impact. Find out how you can get involved and receive annual returns up tp 4% in interest, by joining a virtual information session.

 

Give it up for the Earth!

February 22 - April 6, 2023

Give it up for the Earth! is a national faith-in-action campaign that raises awareness about climate change and mobilizes people across Canada to reduce personal and household greenhouse gas emissions, engage in acts of solidarity, and collect signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal government action.

 

Earth Week 2023 – Together for the Love of Creation

For the Love of Creation (FLC) invites faith communities across the country to be part of the movement for Earth Week 2023 – Together for the Love of Creation. Your activity could be visibly joining a community-wide event or creating something new. This is a chance to reach out to other faith communities and neighbours in your climate justice initiatives.

 

Faithful Footprints is curious how your faith community plans on celebrating Earth Day 2023? Share your plans with us by emailing info@faithfulfootprints.org

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