Regional Support Centres aim to encourage diverse faith based and multi-sectoral allied groups to work together and help create a regional climate collaborative network that will continue beyond the life of this project.

We are grateful to partner with Newo Global Energy to support faith-based climate action in Western Canada. 

Connect with your Western Regional Coordinator, Nicole Welykochy, by email nicole@newo.energy

Newo Global Energy (Newo)

Newo is a non-profit social enterprise exploring ways to share abundance (wêyôtan) through harmonious relationships (wahkohtowin) and to build an economy based on more than scarcity and competition. Newo specializes in solar PV design and installation, energy audits, skills training and community education. In addition to offering this expertise to United Church of Canada congregations near us, Newo’s role as a RSC is to provide support throughout the entire Faithful Footprints grant and “greening” process. 

What can Newo offer your church?

Environmental engagement

We’ll work with you to determine what solutions would best engage your congregation in the work of reducing emissions and addressing climate change. Possibilities include:

  • Eco-conscious resources for your congregation

  • A presentation about the Faithful Footprints program

  • A guest sermon or facilitated round-circle that explores topics such as reconciliation or environmental stewardship

  • Something else? Reach out and we can discuss!

Free walk-through energy assessment*

Our certified energy auditors:

  • Walk through your facility, observing equipment and infrastructure

  • Speak with key staff members about your operations and vision

  • Provide a brief report outlining energy-saving opportunities and recommendations

  • Present these findings to your congregation, board, or green committee (if requested)

*We are only able to offer audits to churches within a three-hour radius of Edmonton, and there are a limited number of free assessments available. Contact us today to secure one!

Learn more at newo.energy

Grants and Financial Incentive Programs

Faith buildings in Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon are eligible to apply for the following provincial and municipal incentive programs, which are a great way to find matching funds to support your Faithful Footprints application. You can work with your regional support centre team and energy auditor to determine which government incentives might be applicable to your project.

Alberta

  • The Low Carbon Economy Challenge fund supports projects that deploy proven, low-carbon technologies resulting in material GHG emissions reductions. However, the minimum (matching) funding request is $1M, meaning that a creative and collaborative effort between multiple churches would likely be needed to access this funding. Please contact Newo if you’d like to explore this possibility.

  • Newo is collaborating with the Solar Power Investment Cooperative of Edmonton (SPICE) to implement a financing model that connects socially-motivated investors with clean-energy projects on buildings owned by non-profits, faith communities and First Nations. These community organizations immediately save on their energy bills and, as they pay us back, we re-invest into more projects. If your church is considering solar, please visit our website or contact us to find out more.

British Columbia

  • There are many incentives and rebates available in BC, and the CleanBC Better Buildings incentive search tool allows you to filter results based on your location, what projects you're interested in and which energy provider you have.

Yukon

  • The Better Buildings Program offers low-cost funding (repaid over 15 years) to complete commercial building energy upgrades such as: air sealing and insulating walls; upgrading or recommissioning heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; installing a biomass heating system; or installing a cold-climate air-source heat pump.

  • The Low Carbon Economy Challenge fund supports projects that deploy proven, low-carbon technologies resulting in material GHG emissions reductions. However, the minimum (matching) funding request is $1M, meaning that a creative and collaborative effort between multiple churches would likely be needed to access this funding. Please contact Newo if you’d like to explore this possibility.

Explore Our Projects in Western Canada

Get inspired and find potential project ideas from the Western-based projects funded by Faithful Footprints. Explore our online interactive Grant Map and read successful project case studies near you.

Get in Touch with Nicole

Connect with your Regional Support Centre Coordinator for assistance selecting suitable energy auditors, energy professionals, and contractor recommendations for your retrofit project. Whether you have questions or want to learn more about our regional services, Nicole is here to help.