Monthly Highlight
Faithful Footprints reaches its goal in engaging 500 United Church communities of faith
In 2016 the UCC General Council commissioned CCaring for Creation, Communities and Our Congregations: The Case for a National Carbon Reduction Program for Faith Buildings. From the study, the Faithful Footprints grant program was established to move the UCC into a leadership position in building energy efficiency and climate action. This week, The United Church of Canada's Faithful Footprints program reached a massive milestone meeting its public goal of engaging 500 United Church congregations in the program by 2025. This engagement target was met over six months early.
"The entire Faithful Footprints delivery team is incredibly excited to have reached this milestone. Originally, our goal to reach 500 engagements was December 2024. Due to the success of the program, we have reached our goal more than six months early! Thank you to all the UCC Communities of Faith who have engaged with Faithful Footprints. You are doing your part toward achieving the church's national goal of reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2030 while also renewing your community of faith. Congratulations to you all!"
- Michelle Singh, Faithful Footprints Program Manager
Faithful Footprints Workshop at Audacious Hope Conference
July 5, 2024 | 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Join us this July for an inspiring workshop hosted by Faithful Footprints at the national youth gathering, Audacious Hope 2024 presented by the Rendez-vous 2024 team of The United Church of Canada and the LIFT team of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.. Our workshop will empower youth and young adult to support congregational renewal through green building initiatives. By fostering deep reflection and bold leadership, we'll explore how to enact meaningful change both within the church and beyond, encouraging youth to live deeper in their home communities with fresh, creative perspectives.
Faithful Footprints featured in Canadian Innovation Week blog
The United Church of Canada's Faithful Footprints program was featured in the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI)'s Canadian Innovation Week 2024 blog. As part of the week-long recognition, CSI has highlighted a few of the thousands of its members who are innovating for a better world, including the Faithful Footprints program, delivered by member Faith & the Common Good. Within this year's theme Innovate Where You Are, our program was spotlighted under the Sustainability Solutions category, which celebrates Canadian innovators who are pioneering sustainable solutions that contribute to a greener and more sustainable planet.
Approved
Arden United Church (Arden, ON)
Cavendish United Church (Cavendish, PEI)
First United Church (Vermilion, AB)
Highlands United Church (North Vancouver, BC)
Knox United Church (Rainy River, ON)
Sparrow Lake Camp (Severn Bridge, ON)
St. Andrew's United Church (Kaslo, BC)
St. Andrew's United Church (New Richmond, QC)
St. Andrew's United Church (Queensborough, ON)
St. Paul's United Church (Ormstown, QC)
Fenwick United Church (Fenwick, ON)
Received a grant to replace its rooftop gas furnace with a 42,000 BTU central heat pump system; insulate the attic above its sanctuary; and replace exterior lights in its parking lot to LEDs.
Howick United Church (Howick, QC)
Received a grant to replace two oil-burning furnaces with heat pumps with electric backups; upgrade electrical entrance; seal chimney; install spray foam insulation; and replace lights with LEDs.
Dundalk United Church (Dundalk, ON)
Received a grant to replace oil-burning furnaces to energy efficient gas models and replace windows and doors on lower floor.
Energy Results
Deer Park United Church (Toronto, ON)
Received a grant to replace a boiler. A year following their projects, Deer Park United reduced its weather normalized source energy use intensity by 8.6%, total GHG emissions by 19.9%, total GHG emissions intensity by 20.2%, electricity usage by 31.9%, and natural gas usage by 19.7%.
Read more on their project in the blog ''Coming Together to Combat Climate Change: The Unified Mission of Deer Park United and Calvin Presbyterian”.
Park Royal United Church (Charlottetown, PE)
Received a grant to install seven heat pumps in its sanctuary, entranceway, and area used by their daycare. A year following their projects, Park Royal United reduced its weather normalized source energy use intensity by 7.0%, total GHG emissions by 24.5%, and natural gas usage by a single source by 32.2%.
Saint John's United Church (Sussex Corner, NB)
Received a grant to support of the installation of two mini-split heat pumps, a five-ton unit with backup electrical heating, and an electrical upgrade. A year following their projects, Saint John's United reduced its weather normalized source energy use intensity by 32.8%, total GHG emissions by 50.2%, and natural gas usage by a single source by 80.7%.
Inspiration
Sustainable Brandon: amazing things can come out of a Faithful Climate Conversation from For the Love of Creation
A group in Brandon, Manitoba, connected to both KAIROS and Knox United Church, held three Conversations in 2021 based on the resources offered by For the Love of Creation. When the FLC Local Engagement team heard what great work was coming out of that group, now called Sustainable Brandon, they asked them to share the story. Read more about the origins of Sustainable Brandon and the successes they are having in impacting their community for greater sustainability.
Faith leaders, community group hope to unite Morden residents in fighting climate change
Faith leaders Rev. Carrie Martens of Morden United Church and Sandy Plett, Climate Action Coordinator with Mennonite Church Canada have joined together to form a new local group called the Pembina Climate Action Network. The new action group is meant to help area residents navigate drought and climate change in their own homes. Martens and Plett hope the new climate action group can not only brainstorm solutions, but connect the community. Residents in the southern Manitoba city hope faith leaders and the new citizens action group can help in the fight against climate change.
Creation Care with Young at Heart group at Siloam United
Kids and youth offer fresh perspectives on environmental issues, sustainability and ecological responsibility. Listen to the thoughts of youth from Siloam United Church's (London, ON) Young at Heart group as they share why we should all care about the Earth, and what we can do to help.
The United Church tackles climate change with churchwide youth program
The United Church of Canada's Climate Motivators program encourages and nurtures the next generation of environmental advocate. The national program was featured in a recent article in Broadview Magazine. Read more how the program is preparing the next generation of leaders to pick up the mantle of tackling climate change.
Green Churches Network is Closing
Faith-based non-profit, Green Churches Network recently announced the closing of their charitable organization. Established in 2015, the network helped Christian communities in Canada care for God’s Creation by equipping and educating faith communities on ways to opt for better ecological practices both within their church and at home. Explore the network's free resources that will remain available for use and learning.
Opportunities
15 Spots Left!: Receive a free energy audit for faith buildings in Nova Scotia
March 1 – July 31, 2024
Faith groups have identified a need for energy audits of their buildings as an important the first step in retrofitting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Faithful Footprints Atlantic Regional Support Centre, Ecology Action Centre is offering free energy audits for faith buildings across Nova Scotia. 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.