Become a Certified Cool Congregation

From Interfaith Power and Light (http://interfaithpowerandlight.org):

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.” – St. Francis of Assisi.

Across the nation, Interfaith Power & Light and our state affiliates are helping congregations lower their emissions that contribute to climate change. Reducing emissions protects those who are most vulnerable in our communities—children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions who are also most at risk to COVID-19.

Has your congregation done a project to reduce its carbon footprint?  If so, you can help them become a Certified Cool Congregation. Click here to find out more. 

First Unitarian Church of Louisville, Kentucky is an Interfaith Power & Light Certified Cool Congregation! They took action because they feel strongly that reducing energy consumption is the right thing to do for “our church, our country and the planet.”

Kentucky IPL, an affiliate of IPL National, has assisted First Unitarian in their efforts to care for the environment through educational programming, advocacy opportunities, and networking—with resources such as the annual solar tour that inspired many congregants to install solar at their homes.

“Kentucky IPL is one of the important organizations we rely on for leadership and advice as our members do more to protect and respect the planet. We will continue to rely on Kentucky IPL.”

First Unitarian reduced their energy use by 10% by switching to LED lighting, insulating their building, upgrading to efficient appliances and HVAC equipment, and installing the first in a planned series of solar panels. Their efforts would have resulted in a 30% reduction, but they also improved the efficiency of their building by increasing its use.

To get started, use the NEW Cool Congregations calculator to measure your congregation’s carbon footprint. Measure a “before” footprint as a baseline before you made changes to your building, then measure an “after” footprint to see how much energy your congregation has saved. Include these reports with your application for certification.

If your congregation has reduced by 10% or more, it qualifies for certification. Apply today! 

Let your deeds be your sermon today.