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March/April 2005
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"Per capita, per hour of use, houses of worship are often among the biggest wasters of energy, " says Lara Hoke, Program Director for Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light. |
Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light, a non-profit initiative to offer Massachusetts congregations of every religious tradition a comprehensive means of reducing energy consumption, is planning two events to celebrate Earth Day, observed on April 22nd this year.
Although plans are not yet finalized, the events will take place in both Worcester and Boston. MIP&L will invite the local communities of faith to attend their informational forums on clean energy and environmental justice. "It's an issue of faith to care for the earth and its inhabitants," says Lara Hoke, Program Director for Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light.
"Houses of worship leave a notable environmental imprint," she continues. "Per capita, per hour of use, houses of worship are often among the biggest wasters of energy, and the United States has more houses of worship than any other country. Although most congregations recognize the moral imperative for stewardship, they do not always stand on the moral 'high ground' when it comes to actual energy usage. We need to become better stewards and, in the process, encourage and inspire our congregants to do better at home, school, and work."
According to Hoke, MIP&L uses a 'Mutual Ministry Model' to promote its cause. MIP&L focuses its ministry of education to its member congregations, and then sends forth these congregations and congregants to reach out to others in their community, explaining the moral imperative and practical actions for renewable energy and energy conservation.
Barbara Darling-Smith, the co-chair of the Consumption and Justice Committee at Church of the Covenant UCC in Boston and a member of the Environmental Task Force of the MACUCC, reported that her church signed on as a member of the MIP&L and had an audit done of the Church of the Covenant facilities. "It was an impressive, thorough and exhaustive audit. We have a huge semi-gothic building built in the 1860s and it is used by different people for different ministries so the heating and lighting are constantly being used. It is a beautiful and historic building but inefficient for heating. MIP&L reported on every aspect of energy usage and pollution emittance, as well as suggested ways that we could make our whole plant more energy efficient and environmentally friendly."
It was recommended that the heating systems be upgraded to high efficiency, sealed combustion, gas-fired hydronic units to get the efficiency much higher than the 75% efficiency rate currently at the facility. MIP&L also recommended that the hot water units be upgraded in order to in-crease efficiency. If the Boston church installed solar panels, that energy source could generate 4% of the church's annual electricity usage. MIP&L also presented the church with information on grant funding resources. And, the MIP&L membership made it possible for the church to join an established oil-buying group so they could buy oil at greatly reduced prices.
"The less energy we use the better the earth benefits and as churches we should be concerned about saving God's earth," says Darling-Smith. "Now that we have this report, we are collaborating with the various groups within the Church of the Covenant to find creative ways to afford the changes."
At First Parish of Westwood UCC, changes have already been made. "We have installed photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of our parish hall," says Rev. Peter Lovett, senior pastor of the church, which is also a member of the MIP&L. "These panels help to offset the cost of electricity for the hall and it is hoped in the future after the test phase is over, that they'll generate enough electricity for the hall. Then whatever energy is not expended is returned to our power grid to help reduce our electric bills."
Besides the approximately $800 the system saves annually, it's been a source of pride for the congregation. "It reinforces the notion that we are called to be stewards of the earth and this is a tangible way to help carry out that task," says Lovett.
"The issue of environmental justice is pressing," comments Hoke. "The sooner congregations join in and help save energy, the sooner they'll be helping the earth and its inhabitants."
Agendas for the two Earth Day events were not available as of press deadline, but will be posted on the MIP&L website as plans are confirmed. Check http://mipandl.org/ for the latest info.