June 2023

Monthly Highlight 

Oromocto Pastoral Charge (Oromocto, N.B)

Leading climate action and creating community with faith

National Media Article by National Observer written by Beatrice Ekoko

The National Observer recently published an article commending The United Church of Canada as a champion of environmental causes, highlighting the Church's climate commitments to reduce its carbon footprint by 80 percent by 2030, with the help of the Faithful Footprints program.

Illustration by Neil Webb

The United Church has an ambitious climate goal — but it needs help from congregations

National Media Article by Broadview Magazine

In 2016, the United Church commissioned a study of its carbon footprint and found that heating and lighting its buildings produced an estimated 135,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year — 42 percent of its total emissions. Two years later, the United Church launched Faithful Footprints. The program has since distributed $3 million for LED lighting, insulation, new windows, heat pumps, solar panels and much more. To date, 159 churches have been approved for funding or completed projects, while finished projects have resulted in a net carbon reduction of 687 metric tonnes. 

Last July, The United Church of Canada set an ambitious target: cut its greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2030. It’s a necessary goal that accelerates the church’s previous commitment by 20 years — but it will be a challenge to meet. The United Church of Canada can’t reach its new target unless every congregation steps up.

Work Completed

Grace - St. Andrew's United Church (Arnprior, ON)

Received a grant in support of insulating the attic with blown loose cellulose to bring the attic to R60, including ventilation system upgrades; installing four high-efficient, reversible, multi-speed, thermostat-controlled ceiling fans in the sanctuary; improving passive cross-ventilation from emergency exit side doors using screens, hardware and weather stripping as well as a framed screen door on the rear door entrance/exit; and emergency upgrades of four natural gas furnaces with higher efficiency, dual-stage, smaller furnaces.

Knox United Church (Durham, ON)

Received a grant in support of replacing a gas-fueled boiler with a more efficient gas-fueled boiler, and replacing a gas-fueled water tank with an electric water tank.

Metropolitan United Church (London, ON)

Received a grant in support of replacing metal halide and fluorescent light bulbs in the sanctuary with dimmable LED bulbs.

Runnymede United Church (Toronto, ON)

Received a grant in support of replacing a gas-fired steam heating system in its Memorial Hall and Fellowship Hall with heat pumps, and replacing four ceiling fans.

St. Paul's United Church (Sussex, NB)

Received a grant in support of installing a mini-split heat pump system composed of 20 heads throughout its building.

Wesley United Church (Channel-Port aux Basques, NL)

Received a grant in support of replacing all lights with LEDs; installing two heat pumps in the sanctuary; replacing several multi-thermostats with one single digital thermostat; replacing two entry doors in the hallway and one in the sanctuary; and replacing a large propane range with two electric stoves.

Energy Results

First United Church (Wetaskiwin, AB)

Received a grant in support of installing 50 solar panels; and replacing a commercial dishwasher. A year following their projects, First United reduced its electricity usage by 53.0%, and GHG emissions by 25.4%.

Huron Shores United Church (Grand Bend, ON)

Received a grant in support of replacing windows and rotten wooden frames in the sanctuary. A year following their projects, Huron Shores United reduced its natural gas usage by 4.6%.

Inspiration 

Members of the Metropolitan United Sanctuary Renovation Committee: Ross Turnbull, Shirley Smith, Murray Faulkner, April Voth (London Symphonia), Kendra Fry and Al Edwards

Metropolitan United Church renovation project wins the 2023 London Heritage Award in the Adaptive Re-Use Category

In a creative partnership with the London Symphonia, Metropolitan United Church (London, ON) renovation project won the 2023 London Heritage Award in the Adaptive Re-Use Category. Metropolitan United was recognized for creating a high-quality performing arts space within the sanctuary, while retaining the building's fundamental religious purpose. The Heritage Awards are presented annually by Architectural Conservancy Ontario - London Region and the Heritage London Foundation.

From left: Reg Goldsmith, Barry Fletcher, Jim McGinis, St. George and St. Andrew United Church

 St. George & St. Andrew United wins Gulf of Maine Council’s Sustainability Communities Award

St. George & St. Andrew United Church (Annapolis Royal, NS) received the Gulf of Maine Council’s Sustainability Communities Award as a result of their Energy Project that was supported by Faithful Footprints. The Award recognizes a community, or group within a community, for exemplary work in achieving sustainability outcomes related to the environment and economy, that are in line with the objectives of the Council’s Action Plan. Supported by the Faithful Footprints grant, St. George & St. Andrew United Church replaced its furnaces, hot water heaters, and oil tanks with heat pumps and electric hot water. Substantial insulation and draft sealing were done, industrial strength fans circulate air in the sanctuary’s 35’ ceilings, and electrical system upgrades and LED lighting were implemented. Wonder what's next for St.George & St. Andrew United in their efforts in achieving zero carbon emissions? 44 solar panels are being installed to power the new systems! 

The Government of Canada invests in energy efficient upgrades at Transcona Memorial United Church’s community gathering space

This month, Infrastructure Canada announced a federal investment of more than $480,000 to upgrade the energy efficiency of Transcona Memorial United Church’s community gathering space. This investment will enable a major renovation that will reduce the building’s environmental footprint. These improvements include better insulation, new air-source heat pumps to replace gas furnaces and new lighting. A solar panel array will also be added to the building to reduce electricity costs. Additionally, the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system will be upgraded to improve air quality and keep the building at a comfortable temperature. These improvements are expected to reduce the Church's energy consumption by an estimated 81.4% and greenhouse gas emissions by 33.20 tonnes annually.

Knox United celebrates its commitment to climate

All Faithful Footprints participants are required to send in photos of their projects and write a final report about what they had accomplished and reflect on their retrofit experience. Many properties send in before and after photos, congregational members working in action, and very detailed program reviews. Some participating properties go the extra mile to promote and celebrate their greening initiative. Knox United Church (Durham, ON) puts on an inspiring display showcasing its commitment to caring for God's Earth.

Prince Edward Island Helps Churches and Community Centres Help the Island to Net Zero

Cavendish Breadalbane United Churches (PEI) retrofit their faith-building with support from the Faithful Footprints grants program and Prince Edward Island Government's new Heat Pump Initiative. Breadalbane Central Trinity United Church (Breadalbane, PEI) replaced old lighting with high-efficiency LED, installed a new commercial fan, new EnerStar appliances, motion-sensor lights, a new hot water heater, and a new heat pump in the basement.

This is a featured blog of In Our Power, a series of stories produced by Faithful Footprints Atlantic Regional Support Centre, Ecology Action Centre. The series highlights the work of ordinary people and diverse communities in Atlantic Canada working to create a just transition to a green economy.

Features: Breadalbane Central Trinity United Church (Breadalbane, PEI)

The United Church of Canada’s 2021-2022 Sustainability Report 

The United Church of Canada is Deepening Climate Integrity. The United Church of Canada’s 2021-2022 Sustainability Report highlights the Church’s commitment to climate, ecological, and social justice, and showcases the incredible work communities of faith are doing across the country. With a new emissions reduction target of 80% by 2030, keystone programs like Faithful Footprints and Kindred Works are accelerating carbon reduction.

This report includes a new climate pillar called Responding to Climate Impact in addition to the previous three: Putting Our House in Order, Raising Our Spirited Voices, and Connecting With the Earth.

Deepening Climate Integrity is a testament to the Church’s dedication, resilience, and creativity in problem-solving and finding solutions; it reflects hope for a flourishing future society that includes all.

Report prepared by Faithful Footprints with input from United Church staff and members across Canada.

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