Monthly Highlight
Getting the Last Slice: Port Nelson United Retrofits the Final Outdated Section of Its Building
After a $4M retrofit in 2018, which involved demolishing its inefficient 1952 structure with a modern, energy-efficient building, Port Nelson United Church (Burlington, ON) is now focusing on upgrading its 1963 sanctuary. The sanctuary still has single-pane windows, no insulation, and outdated lighting. With approval for a Faithful Footprints grant, the church plans to replace the original fluorescent lights with high-efficiency lighting, caulk windows, improve timers for exterior lighting, and more. These upgrades, along with several other projects, will help bring the sanctuary up to modern efficiency standards.
St. Matthew Wesley United Shrinks Its Environmental Footprint by Reducing Square Footage and Lowering Operational Needs
After moving from a large 500-seat building in North Sydney, the amalgamated congregation of St. Matthew Wesley and St. Columba United Church now occupies a more manageable 150-seat building at Leitches Creek, Cape Breton. The move was in part due to the overwhelming energy costs of the previous location, where oil expenses alone exceeded $38,000 annually. This downsizing has significantly reduced both the operational costs and well as their environmental footprint by cutting the church's total square footage. While the new space is easier to manage, the congregation is committed to further reducing their impact by enhancing the building’s efficiency and sustainability. They plan to retrofit their new home into a Community Comfort Centre, prepared for climate and extreme weather events, and serve as an all access/all-people community hub.
Recently approved projects from
Bolton United Church (Bolton, ON)
Centreville Memorial United Church (Newburgh, ON)
Meadowood United Church (Winnipeg, MB)
Porcupine United Church (Porcupine, ON)
Port Nelson United Church (Burlington, ON)
Smithville United Church (Smithville, ON)
St. Matthew Wesley United Church (Leitches Creek, NS)
St. Paul's United Church (Milk River, AB)
Trillium United Church (Cambridge, ON)
Work Completed
Athens United Church (Athens, ON)
Received a grant to replace lighting with LEDs; replace several windows; replace two wooden doors; insulate attic hall; replace a 20-year-old water heater; add two industrial ceiling fans in its sanctuary; replace two gas stoves with electric models.
First United Church (Bathurst, NB)
Received a grant to replace a refrigerator and dishwasher; and install two heat pumps.
Siloam United Church (London, ON)
Received a grant to replace a refrigerator; replace all fluorescent lighting with LEDs; replace three doors at the back of its building.
St. John's United Church of Georgetown and Glen Williams (Georgetown, ON)
Received a grant to support the upgrade of its hot water pipe system.
St. Peter's United Church (St. Peter's, NS)
Received a grant to upgrade its electrical panel; ensure surge projection for its building; install two heat pumps; install a commercial ceiling fan; add additional plugs; replace twelve windows; and replace front doors with steel frame with full glass cathedral.
Energy Results
Cedar Park United Church (Pointe-Claire, QC)
Received a grant to replace single pane windows; install baseboard heating to its chancel; replace lighting with LED; remove a hexagonal window in its Community Hall; and replace the door in its sanctuary. Cedar Park United reduced its total GHG emissions by 19.2%, energy costs by 1.2%, and natural gas usage by 19.3%.
Faith United Church (Courtice, ON)
Received a grant to replace a 22-year-old rooftop air-conditioning/heating unit with a new unit and programmable thermostat; replace windows; replace a gas heater in its meeting room with an electric heater; expand electrical system; and replace fluorescent lights with LED lights. Faith United reduced its total GHG emissions by 21.3% and natural gas usage by 22.4%.
Five Oaks Centre (Paris, ON)
Received a grant to replace 39 windows in its Peace House, House on the Hill, Friendship House, its main offices, bookstore, prayer room, art room and guest bedrooms. Five Oaks Centre reduced its total GHG emissions by 5.8% and fuel usage usage from a single source by 33.3%.
Read more about their other projects in our blog Five Oaks Centre Invests over 700K to Rejuvenate its Property and Buildings.
Sheridan United Church (Mississauga, ON)
Received a grant to replace 17 windows and a set of patio doors. Sheridan United reduced its total GHG emissions by 19.1% and natural gas usage by 19.7%.
Inspiration
A Long-Anticipated Upgrade: Salisbury United Replaces over 100 Lights
Some renovation projects are talked about long before they happen. They might not be fully planned out, but there's a shared understanding among the church community and staff that these building updates are needed and will eventually get done. When the time finally comes and resources are available to address these projects, it’s an exciting time for the church. Salisbury United Church (Sherwood Park, AB) experienced this feeling when they executed a long-anticipated upgrade of over 100 lights throughout its entire building.
St. Andrew’s United Brings 185-Year-Old Building Into the 21st Century
In honor of the 185th anniversary of its church building, St. Andrew’s United Church (New Richmond, Quebec), decided to modernize its historic church into the 21st century. After years of contemplating how to become more carbon friendly, the congregation used this milestone as the perfect opportunity to take on upgrades to their church. With a legacy gift from a former parishioner, St. Andrew's got rid of two old oil boilers replacing them with energy efficient heat pumps.
Siloam United Creates Graphics to Showcase its Energy Conservation Retrofit Project
Siloam United Church (London, ON) created graphics to showcase its energy conservation retrofit project to both their congregation and wider community, sharing the updates on social media and their website. 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.
Opportunities
Season of Creation 2024: To Hope and Act with Creation
The Season of Creation is just around the corner! From September 1 to October 4, people around the world will unite to respond to the cry of the Earth. This year’s theme, 'To Hope and Act with Creation,' emphasizes the deep connection between humans and the natural world.
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Service
September 1, 2024 | 9:00 EDT
On September 1, the Day of Creation, also known as the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation or the Feast of Creation, marks the beginning of the Season of Creation 2024. Faith leaders from around the world will guide this time of prayer and reflection. Together with the global Christian family, an online prayer service will officially kick off this ecumenical season. Join in and be part of sowing the seeds of action that will later blossom into hope.
Spark a Faithful Climate Conversation in Your Congregation or Community This Season of Creation
Be part of the movement for hopeful change! For the Love of Creation (FLC) invites you to use the Season of Creation to spark a Faithful Climate Conversation within your congregation or community. Help them reach their goal of logging 100 Faithful Climate Conversations this year! Start by following FLC on Facebook or Instagram, where they will share posts and stories throughout the season, offering inspiration and guidance on how to hold your own conversation.