Monthly Highlight
Walkthrough Road Trip: Newo Energy Auditors Visit 7 Churches in one Weekend
At the end of April, Maroof Ahad and Garnet Borch, certified energy auditors at Faithful Footprints Western Regional Support Centre, Newo, completed a whirlwind energy-audit tour of seven Southern Alberta United Churches. Covering an estimated 2,000 kilometres in four days, Maroof and Garnet met with passionate champions from churches that are exploring ways to reduce their environmental footprints through the Faithful Footprints program.
Work Completed
John Wesley's United Church (Roddickton-Bide Arm, NL)
Received a grant to upgrade its electrical system from a 60-amp fuse panel to a 200-amp breaker panel; replace its oil furnace and oil tank with two 24,000 BTU heat pumps in its sanctuary; install blow-in insulation in its attic; and install three electrical heater in its bathroom and foyer.
St. Andrew's United Church (New Richmond, QC)
Received a grant to replace its two furnaces and oil tank with a heat pump heating system; as well as replace its old electric baseboard heaters in the back of its hall and basement with new energy efficient models.
Inspiration
4 Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Faith-Building Project
Navigating construction and renovation projects for faith community buildings requires careful planning and consideration. Unlike residential projects, these projects can demand specialized expertise and understanding of community needs. While handling some tasks yourself can minimize costs and risks, professional assistance is often needed. Choosing the right contractor can sometimes be a stressful decision. This blog shares four essential tips to ensure you know how to make an informed decision and hire the best contractor for your building project.
50 Faith Buildings Across Nova Scotia Receive Free Energy Audits
Faithful Footprints Atlantic Regional Support Centre, Ecology Action Centre is running a free energy audit program for 50 faith buildings across Nova Scotia. Program participants are receiving detailed energy reports with recommendations and customized advice qualifying them to apply for Efficiency Nova Scotia rebates. The program will help communities of faith of diverse backgrounds and geographic locations to create a more comfortable space for their faith members and community while reducing overhead costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The program ends July 31, 2024. Sign up now at https://ecologyaction.ca/form/energy-audits
Wesley United's Implements Five-Step Plan to Lower Heating Costs and Improve Sustainability
Wesley United Church (St. John's, NL) is implementing a plan to “green” its church and bring down heating costs. A proposed Energy Modernization and Savings Plan was drafted in April 2023 and finalized in August 2023, and consists of five main initiatives. Faithful Footprints program will be supporting the project along with congregational gifts, bequests, fundraising, and a low-interest loan from First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council.
Powered Up: Park Royal United Installs Electric Charging Station
Last month, Park Royal United Church (Charlottetown, PE) received its one-year post-retrofit energy data for the Faithful Footprints funded project they carried out in 2023. The project involved installing seven heat pumps in its sanctuary, entranceway, and the area used by their daycare.
Park Royal United wasted no time and continued to seek additional ways to improve efficiency around its church. Energized by the success of their heat pump installation, Park Royal took on another efficiency project by installing an electric charging station for their minister.
"It all started with a phone call from Rev. Christine MacLeod, our minister, about 7 pm regarding church business. During our conversation, I asked her if she was still at the office working. To my surprise, she replied that she was at Hillside Motors (a car dealership) charging her car. My first thought was that we needed a more efficient way for Rev. Christine to use her time. A few days later, I discussed this with a church member who is also an electrician, and the idea was born.
We installed an outside plug suitable for a car charger. Mr. Alan Brown, a dedicated church member, built a secure box with doors around the plug to ensure safety. Rev. Christine had the charging cord and purchased a lock, so she is the only one with access to the plug. The total cost was $480 for the electrician and about $150 for the box supplies, totaling $630.
Rev. Christine and I worked out a payment plan for the electricity used on the days her car is plugged in. To date, this arrangement is working well, proving to be a winning idea for both the minister and the church. Rev. Christine now has a fully charged car when she leaves the office, allowing her to dedicate more time to church business and enjoy some well-deserved free time."
Garth Sanderson, Treasurer, Park Royal United Church
Sylvan United Church and Oasis United Church Receive Funding to Lead Environmental Programs
Last month, The United Church of Canada Foundation announced their Spring 2024 grant cycle results. Among the 101 grants and scholarships awarded, 2 grants through the Seeds of Hope granting program were given to support environmental programs.
Sylvan United Church (Mill Bay, BC) will receive $3,000 in support of its Sylvan Summer Camp project. A one-week long summer day-camp, using a curriculum focused on Psalm 104 and weaving in care for the environment as a dominant theme.
Oasis United Church (Penticton, BC) will receive $1,150 in support of its Land Steward Project that will encourage participants to deepen their relationship with the natural world and understand their interconnectedness within the greater web of creation.
Opportunities
OakvilleReady Community Climate Action Grant
Applications close Sunday, June 30, 2024
OakvilleReady has established the OakvilleReady Community Climate Action Grant (ORCCA) to enable Oakville residents to take climate action within their communities and social networks. The grant is designed to provide a fair and equitable opportunity to access funds to implement community-initiated actions that will help build the community’s resilience to our changing climate.The grant offers up to $2,000 for eligible projects that aim to: reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, increase food security, biodiversity, resilience to extreme weather, and/or provide climate education.