By Ken Wright
Jesus says we do not know when the end will come, but in this case we do – the diocesan Energy Efficiency Grant program sponsored by the Trustees of the diocese will end June 30. This program makes grants up to $10,000 (and loans up to $10,000 if desired) available to any church in the diocese who applies and demonstrates that their project results in energy savings. To date, 26 grants have been awarded for a total of $242,262, along with $40,000 in loans. The projects funded include new higher efficiency furnaces and air conditioners and controls, storm windows, retrofitting lighting with higher efficiency LED, adding ceiling insulation, and a new higher efficiency dishwasher.
The program is a win for parishes, because the higher efficiency appliances decrease their operating costs, and it is a win for our planet, because it reduces pollution emissions.
Because the program is ending in June, churches who have not yet taken advantage of it will need to assess their buildings, identify potential energy improvements, get contractor quotes, obtain vestry approval, and fill out and submit their application no later than midnight, June 30, 2023.
To help you get started, there is a list of possible projects on the Creation Care and Environmental justice Commission page, although other projects can be proposed. We recommend you contact a member of the commission to help you with ideas and making the application. The applications can be found here.
Be a good steward and don’t leave your $10,000 grant money sitting on the table unused!
Ken Wright is a member of the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Commission.