Faith Efficiencies Program expands energy conservation resources
The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility in partnership with Delaware Interfaith Power and Light announced a new expanded energy conservation resource for Delaware’s faith-based institutions. The Faith Efficiencies Program, launched last year and expanded this fiscal year, will provide a wide range of energy resources including energy audits, remediation strategies, funding options and ongoing cost-saving energy education to faith communities throughout the state.
New this year, SEU will provide funding for Delaware Interfaith Power and Light to serve twice as many faith communities. The program will offer design and establishment of energy and Earth care educational displays, and coordination of the systems to support them. “Our shared goal is to provide education and resources to expand the use of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies throughout the state,” says Lisa Locke, executive director. Program objectives are to lower energy costs, improve building operations, increase comfort levels, provide healthier environments and raise community awareness.
Participating faith communities will receive a comprehensive energy audit. Nnety percent of the cost of the audit will be covered by the SEU. Auditors will provide detailed repair and upgrade recommendations ranked by the highest rate of return on investment. Participants will be advised on a range of financial incentives and may be eligible for low-interest financing or grants available for those that pay the state utility tax. The Sustainable Energy Utility recently added funding to this program to include nonprofit organizations and local governments that do not pay the public utilities tax. Educational forums geared to each congregation will feature SEU’s Home Performance with Energy Star program.
John Mears, Green Team co-chair at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, is part of a team approach to conserving energy. “Our energy audit through the Faith Efficiencies Program was in response to The Episcopal Church’s Genesis Covenant goal of reducing our carbon footprint by 50 percent in ten years. It enabled us to establish our base year, identify reductions we have already achieved and quantify costs, savings and resources to support additional efficiency upgrades.”
The total cost to the faith communities for all program services is estimated at $100-$200, excluding remediation. For more information, contact Lisa Locke at llocke@delawareipl.org or call 616-914-1597.
