Monthly Highlights
Stewards of change: how Arden United is answering the call for carbon reduction
“In response to the United Church of Canada’s target of a 80 percent carbon reduction by 2030, the Arden Pastoral Charge has dedicated itself to a period of learning and reflection. The Stewards of Arden United Church responded to the calls they were receiving and decided to update the building in various ways to reduce its carbon footprint. Our Faithful Footprints project will not only enhance the comfort of our space during colder months, but it will also align with our mission to care for God’s Creation by reducing our carbon footprint. By investing in these sustainable technologies, we are setting an example for future generations and demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship” Rev. Kaitlyn Ostrander, Arden United Church (Arden, ON)
Read more about their projects below.
Near Net Zero by 2030?: Financing and Grant-Writing
Earlier this month, Faithful Footprints Grant Manager, Stephen Collette, joined Shining Waters Regional Council for an insightful event ‘Near Net Zero by 2030?: Financing and Grant-Writing’, featuring expert panelists from SHIFT and TUCC. People came to hear about how to divest their own finances and their church’s finances off fossil fuels, while Collette discussed how congregations could also physically move towards a low carbon or decarbonized faith community building with the help of the Faithful Footprints grant program.
“People were inspired to explore ideas and goals on all fronts moving forward. People asked me questions about what might qualify and questions on the program process. It was a very good session.” says Collette.
Recently Completed Projects
Arden United Church (Arden, ON)
Received a grant to replace windows and ceiling fans; upgrade electrical panel; and replace an oil furnace and oil tank with a heat pump system.
Consecon United Church (Consecon, ON)
Received a grant to replace wooden framed windows in Sanctuary and wooden front doors; as well as replace its propane fired forced air heating with air source heat pumps.
First United Church (Vermillion, AB)
Received a grant to air seal doors and windows; replace fluorescent lights with LED lighting in Building B; upgrade furnaces with new napoleon ENERYSTAR furnaces; replace two 40 gal hot water heating systems with a 6 gal electric water heater; replace windows; remove windows to replace with insulated walls; and install an insulated door.
Gordon Memorial United (Alberton, PE)
Received a grant to replace two out of three oil fired furnaces with three 60K BTU heat pumps; increase insulation in sanctuary and hall to R-50; install an on-grade bi-facial solar array to generate enough energy to meet all of the building electric demand; and conduct a service upgrade to a single phase 400 amp service.
Knox United Church (Brandon, MB)
Received a grant to replace 99% of lighting to LEDs; repair weather-sealing on windows; and replace windows.
Knox United Church (Rainy River, ON)
Received a grant to replace two furnaces.
Palgrave United Church (Palgrave, ON)
Received a grant to replace a furnace; install air conditioning; install an Ecobee thermostat; replace 42 light fixtures with LEDs; replace 3 ceiling fans; replace 9 receptacles; increase attic insulation to R60.
Smithville United Church (Smithville, ON)
Received a grant to replace a boiler system with an energy efficient natural gas heating system, including an on-demand hot water heating system; replace commercial gas stove with two electric stoves; and install a propervent system.
Riverview United Church (Elmsdale, NS)
Received a grant to replace an oil furnace and tank with heat pumps; replace fluorescent lights with LEDs; and replace freezers and overhead fans.
Project Energy Results
Bedeque United Church (Bedeque, PE)
Received a grant to replace an oil furnace; install six heat pumps as well as six electric air heaters; upgrade electrical service; and convert several lights to LEDs. A year following their projects, Bedeque United reduced its total GHG emissions by 37.8%, total GHG emission intensity by 36.7%, and energy costs and energy cost intensity by 9.7%.
Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge (Trail, BC)
Received a grant to replace three antiquated natural gas furnaces with an ENERGYSTAR rated furnaces; and replace all fluorescent lighting with LEDs. A year following their projects, Communities in Faith Pastoral Charge reduced its source energy use intensity by 15.8%, total GHG emissions by 24%, total GHG emission intensity by 23.3%, electricity usage by 5.3%, and natural gas usage by 23.7%.
Cooksville United Church (Mississauga, ON)
Received a grant to replace its boiler and remove asbestos from its piping. A year following their projects, Cooksville United did not show any energy reduction.
Kahnawake United Church (Kahnawake, QC)
Received a grant to remove an oil furnace and tank with an electric heat exchange auxiliary furnace; upgrade electrical service; install custom made doors; and install energy saving lights. A year following their projects, Kahnawake United reduced its source energy use intensity by 25.5%, total GHG emissions by 100%, total GHG emission intensity by 100%, energy costs by 36.1%, and energy costs intensity by 35.7%.
Oak Hill United Church (Oak Hill, NB)
Received a grant to install two heat pumps as its primary heating source and replace light fixtures with LEDs. A year following their projects, Oak Hill United did not show any energy reduction.
Robertson Wesley United Church (Edmonton, AB)
Received a grant to replace all lighting throughout its building with LEDs. A year following their projects, Robertson Wesley United reduced its total GHG emissions and total GHG emission intensity by 16.2%, electricity use by 2.4%, and natural gas usage by 12.5%.
Read more about their story in the blog ‘Robertson-Wesley United Church, urban and wild’
Wesley United Church (Brown's Flat, NB)
Received a grant to replace oil furnaces and oil barrel with a heat pump as well as weatherstrip entrance doors. A year following their projects, Wesley United reduced its source energy use intensity by 55.3%, total GHG emissions by 71.0%, total GHG emission intensity by 71.4%, energy costs by 41.4%, and energy cost intensity by 41%.
West Side United Church (Pentz, NS)
Received a grant to install two HVAC units in its sanctuary and one larger unit with two heads in its hall, as well as replacing all lights to LEDs. A year following their projects, West Side United reduced its source energy use intensity by 16.9%, total GHG emissions by 15.2%, total GHG emission intensity by 15.6%, and electricity usage by 14.9%.
Inspiration
Staying on course: Stamford Lane United prioritizes sustainability with boiler replacement project
Stamford Lane United Church (Niagara Falls) knows the importance of sustainability within its walls, recognizing that its building is much more than just a physical space. As a central hub for worship, learning, fellowship, and community outreach, the church has made it a priority to ensure its longevity for years to come. Requiring extensive maintenance each year, Stamford Lane United’s 32-year-old boiler had reached the point where it was impeding on the larger sustainability goals of the church. With a sound and functioning heating system, the aging boiler caused a significant drain on finances, and was a major contributor to the church’s carbon emissions. With a Faithful Footprints grant, Stamford United replaced their aging boiler.
Alberton church improves their carbon footprint with energy management plan
Media Feature in West Prince Graphic
What began as an inquiry into heat pumps turned into an opportunity for Faithful Footprints participant Gordon Memorial United Church (Alberton, PE) to reduce their carbon footprint. Gordon Memorial United’s Faithful Footprints funded project was featured in the West Prince Graphic and highlights the church's efforts to reduce their building’s environmental footprint.
“We just wanted to make aware to the community what we were able to accomplish as a reasonably small church,” said Ron Cochrane, project team lead for the committee overseeing the project. “We wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the community in terms of our carbon footprint.”
Also watch a short video of behind the scenes footage of Gordon Memorial United’s Energy Management Plan celebration event.
Rimbey United Church is going green: church undergoes various project to become more energy-efficient
Media Feature in Rimbey Review
Rimbey United Church (Rimbey, AB) has undergone a big transformation over the past few months in an effort to go greener. Recently featured in the Rimbey Review, the church shared valuable insights gained from conducting an energy audit and highlighted its experience with the Faithful Footprints program. The article emphasized how the program’s support and grant funding made their green initiatives both achievable and impactful.
Opportunities
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.
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.