BURLINGTON — Ascension Lutheran Church in South Burlington has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The church has been awarded the top Energy Saver award of National Interfaith Power & Light’s Cool Congregations Campaign for cutting their energy use and preventing 40 tons of carbon emissions annually.
This recognition is well deserved for the church, which has worked tirelessly over the years to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
The church has achieved significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions by upgrading lighting, heating and cooling, and ventilation systems; insulating the buildings; and purchasing solar from Bristol Community Solar.
The Care for Creation Committee, which is comprised of dedicated members of the church, has played a pivotal role in guiding the energy efficiency efforts of the church.
They have shepherded a process of energy audits, applying for utility and VTIPL grants, seeking expert advice, and embarking on a multi-year series of energy improvements.
Vermont Interfaith Power & Light (VTIPL) has been a crucial partner in the church’s efforts towards sustainability.
VTIPL offers free energy assessments and a Climate Action Grant program providing matching grants to congregations.
Grants can be used to obtain an energy audit by a professional organization providing estimates of costs and energy savings.
Matching funds can support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, as well as projects that reduce carbon emissions but do not involve buildings.
VTIPL’s two matching grant programs are the Ellie Cressey Webster Memorial Fund and the Katy Gerke Memorial Fund.
These funds have been made possible by generous donations from the families of Ellie Cressey Webster and Katy Gerke, and other donors, including VTIPL Board members and staff.
Furthermore, VTIPL is co-sponsoring a Faith Climate Action Day in Montpelier on March 29 to make legislators aware that faith and spiritual communities care very much about climate policies.
This event is a great opportunity for faith communities to come together and show their support for sustainable policies.
The recognition of Ascension Lutheran Church’s commitment to sustainability is well-deserved, as the church has worked tirelessly to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
VTIPL has been a crucial partner in the church’s efforts towards sustainability, providing free energy assessments and grants to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
The upcoming Faith Climate Action Day in Montpelier is a great opportunity for faith communities to come together and show their support for sustainable policies.
