Here's an update on Green activities in the church.
1. Boiler Replacement And The Energy Bills
Chris Fisher and I are assisting Rick Gamble and Bryan Wyckoff in gathering information to enable the Trustees to replace the boiler before the next heating season. A comfortable sanctuary is essential for the ministry of the church. The current boiler is the original (circa 1963) and is fading quickly. We really don't want to have to respond with a very expensive temporary solution if it dies. So, pray that it lasts for the remainder of this season.
A lot of work remains but here is what we're discovering in our research around boilers and energy efficiency:
a. There are obvious dollar savings with a higher efficiency boiler.
b. The next big area of opportunity regarding energy in the church is probably around more efficient and better management of lighting.
c. The next big opportunity is probably around behavior modification. In a building that is intermittently used, it is critical to keep energy using equipment OFF when not needed. You've probably all noticed times when the church is over-heated or over-cooled or over-lighted for no apparent reason. We can all use the building more wisely.
2. Innovative Ideas
Chris will be providing expertise around the potential use of roof solar panels. This takes a back seat to resolving the boiler issue but is going to be studied. No promises.
The Trustees are taking the lead, and we're reinforcing this behavior, of using less paper in the church. Committee leads are encouraged to use email to notify their members of activities vs postcards. Spread the word.
If you're getting paper that you don't need, tell the office.
3. Green vs Efficient Energy Usage
More efficient energy usage saves natural resources and money. Green energy uses the right energy sources so that both the earth's eco systems and future generations benefit. Our current boilers use natural gas. It's more "green" than oil or coal. If and when we use solar panels, they would be more green than buying Delmarva electricity, which is about 2/3 from coal and 1/3 from nuclear power. So, we're trying to move to both efficient and green energy.
4. The First Gift
Christians believe Christ is the biggest gift we have. But the Earth was the first. I fully expect questions at the Gates about how I treated it. It will be uncomfortable.
5. Answers to the questions posed in the Grapevine:
a. Responders said that recycling and solar panels were their most effiective green behaviors
b. 61 Years - is the time required for the earth's population to double at the current population growth rate. So, at about 2070, we'll have about 13 billion folks on the planet. May or may not taper off before then. But we've seen the effects of all the people from the start till now.
6. Please send me your green suggestions!
Regards
Mike Rominger
For the St. Pauls Green Team
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