What could your church do with an extra $1,000 or $30,000?
When it comes to the subject of saving energy I would automatically assume you would be talking about my personal energy, not the building. Conserving energy wasn’t in my job description as a pastor and I don’t recall it as a subject in pastoral classes.
However, living in a stressed and stretched to the limit economy, ministry budgets are rapidly decreasing. During these times the question of, “Where can we save or do without?” is asked. This question is being asked no matter what size church you pastor. The ideas below were gathered from real life sources whose job requires them to know this stuff, like an energy engineer, and can be applied to any church. Some of the ideas you may have tried and others just might make a difference.
Top Ten Ideas To Save Your Church Money On Your Energy Bill
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Top |
Energy Saving Idea |
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1 |
Have an energy audit done by your local electric company (most will do it free). Depending upon the size of the church, it may fall under a “key account” program with the utility. Be sure the utility member service rep also provides a copy of the current rate schedule the church falls under for billing and that the church fully understands how they are billed. Things like demand charges and power factor penalties sometimes drive power bills sky high. |
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2 |
Start a Green Team as a think tank for energy saving solutions, to maintain those solutions, communicate results and offer in house training.
First poll the church members and see if there are any construction managers, utility types and/or engineers willing to step up and serve in this fashion. Be sure the one(s) that pay the bills sit on this team so you know just how much you spend on utilities. Be sure to look at gas/propane and telecom bills too…there are always ways to save! Be sure the Green Team develops a professional relationship with their utility reps. |
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3 |
Develop sustainable procedures and practices to monitor doors and windows to control air quality and temperature. When utilities do energy audits, windows, doors and insulation are usually the main culprits for high bills. (Green Team Task) |
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4 |
Develop sustainable procedures and practices to monitor and adjust thermostats for usage and seasonal breaks. Also check air filters, insulation, window, doors and vents. (Green Team Task) |
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5 |
Unplug power transformers (Wall Warts) and machines when not being used. Solid state devices can use power even when not turned on or connected to devices. |
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6 |
Replace standard thermostats with programmable, a MUST for churches! This is especially true if the church is only used on Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings!!! |
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7 |
Install in offices, classrooms, bathrooms, small rooms etc… occupancy sensors (an occupancy sensor is a light switch with a built in motion sensor). |
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8 |
Replace Incandescent lamps with Compact fluorescent lamps. CFL’s have a great return on investment. |
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9 |
Replace LED lights in EXIT signs. |
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10 |
Replace outdoor specialty lighting with LED spots. LED’s are a great new energy technology. They will become even more affective as they come down in price. |
What’s At Stake?
Savings and Stewardship
Could your church do with an extra $1,000 or $30,000? Our stewardship must include making wise choices with the resources we are given to do ministry. Our unwise choices can close the doors to ministry.
Testimony
It’s not just about the money, the reputation of your church and leadership is at stake. Your building is on display for all to see, hear, smell and touch. Parents are growing more concerned about not only what you are teaching but whether the church is a safe and clean environment for their family.
Healthier Setting
Studies show that improved lighting can improve learning. Clean air can reduce sickness. Conserving energy not only saves money but stimulates happier and healthier living.
What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is an evaluation of a building’s energy usage and leakage to determine ways to save money (and energy) and to solve comfort issues.
The term has been used to describe actions ranging from simple reviews of your energy bills, to complete professional energy analysis.
Make sure you know what they will do before you sign on. Once you receive the audit prioritize the list according to estimated savings (Task for the Green Team).
The Energy Audit Process
An energy audit usually take less than a full day and does not disrupt most church activities.
Analysis generally included in a complete, professional energy audit include:
- Past Energy Usage Review
- Major Appliance Review
- Water Heater Evaluation
- Heating and Cooling System Review
- Duct System Testing
- Window Evaluation
- Attic and Basement Insulation Inspection
- Lights and Ballast Inspection
- Infrared Photography
- Air Infiltration Test
- Leak Location and Documentation
- Computer Modeling
- Thermal Envelope Evaluation
- Thermal Envelope Inspection
Article Contributors
Jamie Stark: Engineering Manager at Lincoln Electric Cooperative
Contact if you need solutions for your Church
Email: MJamieStark@hotmail.com
Rev. Mike Smith: Church Office Online, COO
Contact if you need Church Online Management Software or if you have questions about this article Mike@churchofficeonline.com
http://coo.test
Randy Jones: Energy Auditor
Conducted a complete Energy Audit on our Church
rjjones@interbel.net
Don Smith: Good Samaritan Director Facility Management
Mountain View Manor – Eureka Montana
Thanks,
Church Office Online