Energy


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Planting Seeds: Begin basic energy conservation practices

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

  • Post signs above light switches asking folks to “please turn off lights”
  • Turn off lights when rooms or areas are not in use
  • Set thermostats to energy-saving temperatures, especially when no one is in the building (evenings, specific days)
    • Lower by just a few degrees in cold months and raise a few degrees in warm months
  • Turn off computers, copy machines, and other office equipment when not in use (using power strips makes it easy to turn off many devices at once)
  • Set water heaters to lowest practical temperature
  • If you have a janitorial staff that works at night, consider changing to day shifts to cut down on energy use
  • Collect and look at utility bills for past 12 months

General Information Related to this Strategy:

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:


Nurturing Growth: Conduct an Energy Audit and begin implementing changes

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

  • Be prepared for some higher up-front costs, knowing that your energy savings will increase significantly in the long-run
  • Find an energy audit template online or hire someone to conduct an energy audit for you
  • Begin making changes based on the audit results, such as:
    • Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs, which are 80% more efficient
    • Install “smart” programmable thermostats
    • Insulate water heaters
    • Insure that attics are well insulated

General Information Related to this Strategy:

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:


Deepening Roots: Move toward larger-scale energy efficiency measures

Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:

  • Install solar panels
  • Replace old windows with energy-saving windows
  • Replace old appliances (like refrigerators) with ENERGY STAR models
  • Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR air conditioning system
  • Install a geothermal heating and cooling pump

General Information Related to this Strategy:

Available Resources in Western North Carolina:

Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:


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