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Energy consumption from traditional, polluting power plants creates approximately 16% of Californiaís greenhouse gas emissions2(not including emissions generated by out of state plants that provide power to California), and 29% nationwide.3 CIPL member congregations consume an average of 12,452 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. CIPL members were spurred to take action on energy issues by the stateís ongoing energy crisis and the escalating speed and scale of global climate change. By reducing energy consumption at our congregations, and switching to clean power where possible, we hope to help reduce the threat posed by global warming, cut air pollution, help control electricity prices, and be better stewards of Creation.
Producing “Negawatts” Through Energy Conservation and Efficiency
CIPLís members saved a total of 672,000 kilowatt hours, or 672 megawatt hours, over of electricity over the past year by installing more efficient lighting.4 Over 4,000 compact fluorescents were installed in sanctuaries, temples, and schools, while over 700 were sold through youth groups. CFLs only use about 10% of the energy that the common incandescent bulbs use. The energy savings translate to total cash savings of $117,890 on energy costs.5
In addition, 16 CIPL members conducted on-site energy audits to learn more about ways to prevent wasteful energy use. These audits resulted in a variety of different changes in energy usage including installing energy efficient water heaters to compact fluorescent light bulbs to installing cool, sun-reflecting roofs.
Producing Clean Megawatts: Solar Panels and Green Electricity
Through on-site solar energy generation and subscriptions to green electricity, CIPL members have generated a total of over 650,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy. Six member congregations with on-site solar systems generated a total of 109,885-kilowatt hours (or about 110 megawatt hours) of energy.6 This figure reflects the prevention of over 136,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted yearly.
Three member congregations sponsored the generation of clean energy by subscribing to green power through their utilities. (Many more congregations were previously subscribed to green power, but were involuntarily cut off when green energy retailers were forced out due to the energy crisis.) These three congregations, however, are able continue to buy green energy from local service providers. These congregations alone purchase 540,120-kilowatt hours of renewable energy that in turn prevents 669,748.8 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year.7
Cool Roofs
A number of CIPL members have also utilized cool roofs for energy conservation. These are light-colored, sun-reflecting roofs that reduce the need for air conditioning. Ten members have cool roofs installed on their congregations, which cut down on approximately 20% of all cooling costs during summer months.8 In hot areas such as Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego, congregations with cool roofs experience significant savings in their energy bills.
Education
CIPLís members have engaged in conservation as an educational and inspirational topic as well. Twenty-eight member congregations have given sermons dedicated to global warming and energy consumption. Twenty-three member congregations have advocated for public policies to reduce global warming. An additional 18 member congregations participated in community and denominational outreach programs to better inform their communities about the effects of global warming and environmental degradation.
Conclusion
California Interfaith Power and Lightís success demonstrates the impact that one community can have by making simple, low-cost, energy improvements. As we become more aware of our energy habits, make efforts to conserve, invest in efficiency and clean energy, the religious community can lead the way to a clean energy future.
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