Energy Efficieny: what a great way to begin Lent.

Our Ash Wednesday confession last night included this petition:

For our waste and pollution of your creation,
and our lack of concern for those who come after us,
Accept our repentance oh Lord.

Repentance means to turn away. Today, our congregation is repenting for our waste and pollution in a practical way. We're turning away from our inefficient energy use by undergoing a major professional re-insulation of our building. We expect we'll reduce our energy use by at least 20% during peak heating and cooling months. It's an investment in our values and our future. I am so proud of our congregation for taking this step. Here are a few sample photos.

The work began with a blower test where all the internal doors are opened and all the exterior doors closed. This machine then sucks the air through the building, enabling us to tell how leaky we are.


We needed both insulation and air sealing. Here's a before shot in the attic : each of our light fixtures basically acted as a hole in the ceiling with no insulation or air sealing.

After: there is a sealed cover over the light. But it's not done yet. The last step in the process is blowing insulation over the whole thing.


At the end of the day we'll redo the blower test as instant gratification to show what we've accomplished. Can't wait to see what we save in the long term.

But that's not all! We're also preparing to host an event on energy efficiency on April 2nd from 10-12. Guests include a Pepco ( power company) representative to present about new incentives for congregations; a county representative of the environmental rebate program; and a representative of the EPA's energy star program for congregations. If you are in the area and interested in learning how your faith community can assess and reduce energy use, please come. Details below.

Also, consider participating in the Carbon Fast where you do one small thing to reduce your carbon footprint each day.
Today: turn down your thermostat by one degree. Aim for 68 during the day and 60 at night.

Peace and joy - Sarah

Workshop: Receiving Cash Incentives for Energy-Efficiency Improvements at your Faith-Based Organization

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is hosting a workshop focused on energy-efficiency incentives for faith-based organizations and other businesses and organizations. Brooke Smallwood from The Pepco Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Savings Program will provide a program overview on the cash incentives available, application process and eligibility. Eric Coffman from Montgomery County Dept. of Environmental Protection will discuss the newly launched Commercial & Multi-Family Building Energy Efficiency Rebate program. Steve Bell, Program Director for the Energy Star® for Congregations program will be available to discuss energy efficiency opportunities and measuring and tracking energy use and savings. Persons interested in Creation Care, property managers, boards of trustee members, maintenance staff and others should attend this event to learn more about how these support their energy efficiency goals and hear success stories of organizations that have upgraded their properties. Event sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in partnership with Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL).

The workshop will be held on April 2nd from 10:00 to noon at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 11900 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg MD 20878.

Please RSVP: 301-349-5052