Energy Conservation in
the Parish
Source: A
Parish Handbook for Christian Environmentalism in the Episcopal
Diocese of Pennsylvania
The production of
energy is a major factor in consuming natural resources and every
measure needs to be taken to reduce wastefulness in the use of
electricity, fuel oil, natural gas and other energy sources.
- Buildings
should be insulated to prevent heat loss in the winter
and to retain cool air in the summer. Storm windows and
doors are a definite aid in this direction. Heating pipes
and water heaters should be covered with heat-retaining
materials. Thermostats for zone heating are essential.
- Lights should
be monitored to avoid unnecessary use in all parish
buildings. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact
fluorescent bulbs which use up to 75% less energy and
last 9 to 12 times as long.
- Reduce the
setting on water heaters to 120 degrees.
- Church-owned
vehicles should be as fuel-efficient as possible.
- Repair or
replace leaking faucets and add aerators.
- When major
appliances need to be replaced, purchase more energy
efficient models. Kitchen ranges and gas furnaces should
be equipped with an energy-saving electronic ignition
rather than a wasteful pilot light.
St. John's United Church of Christ
- Phoenixville, PA