It seems there is an increasing interest among businesses, both small and large, to take part in the “green” initiative for the benefit of climate control and the overall well being of the environment. There are do-it-yourself ways that include changing light bulbs, filling holes with caulk or adding seamless vinyl siding which can cut energy wastes while cutting costs.
Recently, an old renovated church in Georgia was nationally recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in their efforts to go “green,” St. Alban’s Church in Monroe, Georgia added insulation, changed the light bulbs from incandescence to CFL and also added timers on the water fountains and caulked weather stripped areas around the church. Built in 1953, St. Alban’s main concern was not energy efficiency, but their recent efforts have illustrated the potential for reducing damage on the environment with small efficiency tactics that go a long way.
Proud of their work on the church, the parish signed up for the ENERGY STAR challenge which is a commitment to any business that enters, to reduce energy usage by ten percent each year. According to the article, St. Albans “estimates that they are saving more than $1,500 annually in energy costs for the operation of their worship space. The savings of nearly 70,000 kWh per year represents a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the annual electricity use of over five homes.”
It seems that the parish’s efforts have ignited a greater environmental awareness initiative for the Georgia church. Since their vow to energy efficiency, the church has also begun recycling cardboard, saving trees and reducing the waste of water.
The green initiative is on a roll and it’s contagious as seen in the story of St. Alban’s Church. Take the green initiative now and find out how you can improve your home, business or organization to be energy efficient; you’re saving money AND the environment.