Invest in LEDs, energy efficiency measures and electrification
Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:
- Complete an energy audit.
- Find an energy audit template online or bring in an outside expert to conduct the audit for you.
- Begin making changes based on the audit results, such as:
- Replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs, which are 80% more efficient
- Replacing old and inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR products
- Installing “smart” programmable thermostats
- Insulating water heaters
- Ensuring attics are well-insulated
- Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR air conditioning system
- Replace old, drafty windows with energy-saving options
- Replace gas appliances with electric options
- Moving away from fossil fuel reliance is a vital step toward truly addressing energy issues.
- Make contact with a local solar company and have your building/property inspected for solar viability.
- Is solar a good option? Solar leasing? What do they think?
- Advocate for a “greener grid.” A green grid is when electrification efforts will really pay off!
General Information Related to this Strategy:
- A comprehensive energy audit for congregations, produced by Interfaith Power & Light
- Cool Congregations
- Energy Star Home Advisor
- State incentives for renewables and efficiency
- Energy-efficient windows
- Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
- Duke Energy-Small Business Energy Assessment
Available Resources in Western North Carolina:
- Waste Reduction Partners
- Free energy savings analysis
- Blue Horizons Project
- Eagle Solar & Light
- Sugar Hollow Solar
- Going Solar Workshop/Presentation
- Contact Enrique Sanchez: enri13san@gmail.com
Local Faith Communities Currently Utilizing this Strategy:
- Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC
- First Christian Church Black Mountain, Black Mountain, NC
- St. Eugene Catholic Church, Asheville, NC
- St. James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain, NC
- Unity of the Blue Ridge, Mills River, NC
- First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC
- St. John’s Episcopal Church, Asheville, NC
- First Congregational Church, Asheville, NC
- Congregation Beth HaTephila, Asheville, NC
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Boone, NC