September and October 2024 Newsletter

Thank you for your patience as we caught up on the latest updates! We apologize for the delay in getting these updates to you. This issue combines both September and October news to keep you informed on everything that’s been happening.

Monthly Highlights

Explore the Environmental, Economic, and Community Impact of the Faithful Footprints Program

Faithful Footprints funded building retrofit projects have led to positive environmental, economic, and community benefits for a handful of communities of faith. On a new section of our website, you can explore the impact that our program has had, including testimonials from past participants.

Faithful Footprints Brings Energy Awareness to St.Mark’s United Church

“Faithful Footprints has been the catalyst to a new awareness of energy saving opportunities at St. Marks” says Ruth de Jonge the current Chair of Council at St. Mark’s United Church (Whitby, ON). In 2019 the minister of the time mentioned the program and the Facilities Ministry picked up the ball and in doing so gained a new interest in big carbon footprint reduction and potential cost savings for our building. Without the encouragement, guidance, and financial support from Faithful Footprints we would not have been able to reduce our carbon footprint as much as we have to date.”

Recently Completed Projects

Crawford United Church (Crawford, ON)

Received a grant to replace propane furnace with air source heat pump system with zone heating; as well as an electrical upgrade.

 

Grace United Church (Digby, NS)

Received a grant to replace an oil furnace with ducted heat pump; replace three old ceiling fans with energy-efficient new fans; replace two 300 watt lights over the choir with 35 watt LED fixtures; improve insulation in bell tower; insulate basement furnace room walls and ceiling; replace wooden basement door with custom-made insulated metal door; refurbish a damaged stained glass window; and refurbish and reinstall historic windows.

 

Lemonville United Church (Stouffville, ON)

Received a grant to replace an oil-fired furnace with a heat pump system; upgrade electric system; replace ceiling fans in sanctuary; and replace lights with LEDs.

 

Wesley United Church (St.John’s, NL)

Received a grant to replace two oil fired furnaces with electric furnaces and a new energy efficient oil furnace.

 

St. Andrew’s United Church (Queensborough,ON)

Received a grant to replace propane furnace with heat pumps; insulate 134 year old building; increase insulation in attic to R-80; repair stain glass windows and frames; replace doors to sanctuary and wooden windows in hall; and replace lights to LEDs.

 

St. Andrew’s United Church (Kaslo, BC)

Received a grant to replace an oil-fired furnace and install two heat pumps in the hall and basement.

 

St. Paul’s United Church (Ormstown, QC)

Received a grant to remove three oil furnaces and replace them with electric furnaces and thermal pumps; and upgrade electrical panels.

 

Trillium United Church (Cambridge, ON)

Received a grant to conduct an energy audit; install an energy efficiency LED sign; replace a freezer.

 

Saint Andrew’s Kirk United Church (Quispamis, NB)

Received a grant to replace oil fired furnace with three mini-split heat pumps, and a central heat-pump system with ductwork.

Project Energy Results

Bethel United Church (Rideau Ferry, ON)

Received a grant to conduct a virtual green audit; insulate its attic, hatches, and narthex; install a heat pump, three radiant heaters, and thermostats, including electrical work for the updated system; install two ceiling fans as well as interior and exterior LED lights; weather strip and seal doors as well as caulk windows; insulate its water pipes; replace basement door; and insulate and repair its storage room. A year following their projects, Bethel United reduced its weather normalized source by 17.1%, total GHG emissions by 16.7%, total GHG emission intensity by 33.3%, electricity usage by 32.6%, and energy costs by 21.6%.

 

Mount Royal United Church (Moncton, NB)

Received a grant to replace the flat roof over its church offices, including installing a white exterior membrane, and upgrading its roof insulation to R-30 by adding four inches of polyiso insulation; replace approximately 100 fluorescent and incandescent light fixtures with energy-efficient LED fixtures, including installing new dimming control for its sanctuary, social hall and memorial room; spray foam insulate and seal the top of the annular space between the exterior bricks and interior concrete block in its sanctuary; and install mini-split heat pumps in its office, minister’s study and the church boardroom. A year following their projects, Mount Royal United reduced its weather normalized source by 3.6%, total GHG emissions by 14.2%, total GHG emission intensity by 13.2%, electricity usage by 30.1%, and natural gas usage by 6%.

 

Navan-Vars United Church (Navan, ON)

Received a grant to add insulation to its attic; install ceiling fans in its sanctuary; install an air-conditioning unit; and replace a refrigerator. A year following their projects, Navan-Vars United reduced its weather normalized source by 24.4%, electricity usage by 67.3%, and energy costs by 22.1%.

 

Peter Gordon Memorial United Church (Morell, PE)

Received a grant to replace an oil furnace, install two heat pumps in the basement and three heat pumps in the sanctuary, upgrade electrical entrance, and replace fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs with LED light fixtures in its entryway and basement. A year following their projects, Peter Gordon United reduced its weather normalized source by 22.1%, total GHG emissions by 49.4%, total GHG emission intensity by 47.4%, fuel oil usage from a single source by 99.4%, electricity cost intensity by 1.3%, and energy costs by 0.9%.

 

Roncesvalles United Church (Toronto, ON)

Received a grant to replace over 90 fluorescent tubes/bulbs with LEDs, install motion detection lights in washrooms, replace a dishwasher, and order custom insert sealers for two stained glass windows in the sanctuary. A year following their projects, Roncesvalles United reduced its total GHG emissions by 14.4%, total GHG emission intensity by 13.6%, electricity usage by 21.5%, and natural gas usage by 14.7%.

 

Stamford Lane United Church (Niagara Falls, ON)

Received a grant to upgrade its boiler with a IBC 500,000 BTU high efficiency commercial condensing boiler and a potable water boiler; integrate existing controls to new boilers with zones, and set up 7-day programmable energy management systems to both its sanctuary and gymnasium. A year following their projects, Stamford United reduced its weather normalized source by 30%, total GHG emissions by 42%, total GHG emission intensity by 42.4%, electricity usage by 23.5%, natural gas usage by 42.8%, and energy costs by 6.5%.

 

St. Mark's United Church (Cannifton, ON)

Received a grant to replace a natural gas hot water tank with two small electric tanks; install cold-weather heat pumps; install LED lights throughout its building; replace three freezers with a single Energy Star commercial grade freezer; replace resistance heaters with a mini-split heat pump in its administrative office; and replace a commercial grade fan in its sanctuary. A year following their projects, St. Mark’s United reduced its total GHG emissions by 22.5%, total GHG emission intensity by 21.4%, and natural gas usage by 29.4%.

 

St. Mark's United Church (Port Hawkesbury, NS)

Received a grant to replace its gas-fired heating and cooling system with heat-pumps. A year following their projects, St. Mark’s United reduced its weather normalized source by 57.5%, total GHG emissions by 44.2%, total GHG emission intensity by 43.9%, and energy costs by 48.8%.

 

St. Paul’s United Church (Westville, NS)

Received a grant to replace an oil fired steam furnace with multiple heat pumps. A year following their projects, St. Paul’s United reduced its weather normalized source by 58.3%, total GHG emissions by 47.9%, total GHG emission intensity by 46.5%, electricity cost intensity by 53.7%, and energy costs by 53.3%.

 

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

Received a grant to replace all lights with LEDs; install two heat pumps in its sanctuary; replace several multi-thermostats with one single digital thermostat; replace two entry doors in the hallway and one in the sanctuary; and replace a large propane range with two electric stoves. A year following their projects, Wesley United reduced its weather normalized source by 18.5%, total GHG emissions by 58.8%, total GHG emission intensity by 66.7%, electricity cost intensity by 33.6%, and energy costs by 11%.

Inspiration

Move to Action: Siloam United’s Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions by 30%

Siloam United Church (London, ON) is stepping up as a local leader, with a goal to cut its operational carbon emissions by 15% annually over the next two years, for a total reduction of 30% by 2026. Read more on how they are getting their community involved through their 'Reduce Our Carbon Footprint Campaign (RCFC)' and how Faithful Footprints is helping support their carbon reduction target.

 

Transcona Memorial United Celebrates Completion of Carbon Footprint Reduction Project

In September, Faithful Footprints participant, Transcona Memorial United Church (Winnipeg, MB) celebrated the conclusion of its Carbon Footprint Reduction Project. A larger renovation project that received funding from the Faithful Footprints program. The project has reduced Transcona Memorial’s carbon footprint by 57% so far, with further reductions anticipated. The church celebrated with a service focused on ‘Our Care for the Earth’, followed by a tree planting ceremony. Faithful Footprints Prairie Regional Coordinator was in attendance.

 

Gordon Memorial United Hosts an Energy Management Celebration Event

On October 26, Faithful Footprints participant, Gordon Memorial United Church (Alberton, PE) celebrated its energy management project with an open house event featuring a rolling pictorial timeline to showcase project progress and milestones. The church acknowledged the contributions of contractors, consultants, and funding agencies, including Faithful Footprints, with partner signage on the street and introductions during the event. Attendees were encouraged to visit partner stations for interactive Q&A sessions, deepening their understanding of each partner's role and contributions.

 

St. Andrew’s United  Creates Graphics to Showcase its Energy Conservation Retrofit Project

Faithful Footprints participant, St. Andrew’s United Church (Queensborough, ON) created a poster board to showcase its energy conservation retrofit project to both their congregation and wider community. Have you completed your project and are ready to celebrate your achievements? Promotional graphics and logo assets are available to download on our website for your use. Promote your greening upgrades and highlight your contribution towards The United Church of Canada’s climate and sustainability goals. Download and share these materials on social media, your website, or print to display. 

“St. Andrew’s held its annual Turkey Supper yesterday evening, and around 300 attendees went past our 32”x48" picture poster that credits the Faithful Footprints Grant program. As well, members of the St. John’s (Tweed) and White Lake congregations visited for a joint service and saw first hand the improvements Faithful Footprints has enabled for St. Andrew’s.” - Terry, St. Andrew’s United Church, Queensborough, ON

 

Want to switch your church to heat pumps? Trinity United shares where to start!

United Churches are making the switch to renewable energy by installing heat pumps, with assistance through the Faithful Footprints program. Grant recipient, Trinity United Church (Ottawa, ON) shares their tips with Broadview Magazine,  on making the swap to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Georgian Shores United Gets a Green Audit

Georgian Shores United Church (Owen Sound, ON) recently received a Green Audit from Faith & the Common Good (FCG), the delivery partner of the Faithful Footprints program. The Green Audit helped Georgian United better understand ways to reduce the environmental impact of its building, including identifying the best energy-saving opportunities. Have your church learn what they can do to also save energy and reduce their environmental impact.

 

Share Your Climate Story: You May Be Featured in The United Church of Canada’s 2023-2024 Sustainability Report

Calling all United Church communities of faith, United Church Regional Councils, and United Church programs and initiatives. The United Church of Canada will be releasing its 2023-2024 Sustainability Report next Spring. We're looking for submissions of stories, initiatives, and events from 2023 and 2024 to be featured. Submissions should align with one or more of The United Church of Canada’s Climate Pillars: Putting Our House in Order; Raising Our Spirited Voices; Reconnecting with the Earth; or Responding to Climate Impact.

Learn more about the UCCan’s Sustainability Pillars and read previous Sustainability Reports here.

 

Free Energy Audit for Faith Buildings in Nova Scotia 

Intake Extends to November 30, 2024

Faithful Footprints Atlantic Regional Support Centre, Ecology Action Centre has extended their free energy audits for faith buildings across Nova Scotia until November 30, 2024. Get a detailed energy report with recommendations & customized advice qualifying you to apply for Efficiency Nova Scotia rebates. Energy audits are on a first-come, first-served basis, but will do their best to accommodate a diversity of faiths and geographic locations within the program's capacity.

 

See, Act, Learn for Climate Justice Webinar

Monday, November 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST

For the Love of Creation is co-hosting a webinar, See, Act, Learn for Climate Justice: Video Launch and Discussion, where we will screen the 6-minute video Coming Together for Climate Justice on Loss and Damage, hear from colleagues and Global South partners at COP29, and learn about advocacy around loss and damage funding. This event is being co-hosted with KAIROS Canada, ACT Alliance - Canada, Canadian Foodgrains Bank. English/French interpretation will be available.

 

Candles for COP Vigils for Climate Justice

November 15-17, 2024

In support of COP29, For the Love of Creation invites groups across Canada to host candlelight vigils in their own communities on the weekend of November 15-17, 2024. It will be a time to reflect and share common love for our planet, our concern for ourselves, humanity and all our non-human relations at risk from climate change. It is also a time to share hopes for truly transformative action to happen at COP and through each other. If you are planning events that relate to COP or climate justice around that weekend, consider adding it to the map as well to share with the broader FLC network. Have questions? Please email flc.pac@gmail.com.

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