| 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. Furthermore, we intend to serve as an example to our communities and our congregants, demonstrating the solutions that must be adopted society-wide to secure a swift transition to a clean energy economy.
Energy Saving Measures Employed by CIPL Members
Producing "Negawatts" Through Energy Efficiency
The cleanest kilowatt of energy is the kilowatt that is not
used. In that spirit, CIPL congregations have undertaken some
simple measures to reduce the amount of energy they their
facilities take from the grid. The result was the production
of 3,005,392 "negawatt" hours of electricity. In
other words, they saved 3,005,392 kilowatt hours. The measures
quantified were energy efficient lighting installations: specifically
compact fluorescents bulbs and light emitting diode (LED)
exit signs. An estimated 2,155 compact fluorescents lights
were installed in sanctuaries, temples, and schools in 2005,
bringing CIPL's multi-year efficient lightbulb program to
a total of 12,829 bulbs. CFLs only use about 10% of the energy
that the common incandescent bulbs use. An additional 32 LED
exit signs were installed, replacing the more common incandescent
ones. LEDs only use about 12% of the energy that normal incandescent
lights use, and since these lights are on 24 hours a day seven
days a week, the energy savings are particularly high.
Producing Clean Megawatts
Solar Panels and Green Electricity CIPL members purchasing or producing green energy generated a of 1,499,900 kilowatt hours. Of this total, on-site renewable energy generation was responsible for 1,118,000 kilowatt hours and green power subscriptions for 381,900 kilowatt hours. The cumulative result was the prevention of 1,859,876 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Cool Roofs and Other Conservation Measures
A number of CIPL members benefit from other conservation measures such as lighting sensors/timers, programmable thermostats, weather stripping, energy efficient appliances, and trees shading their buildings. Some members 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. In hot areas such as Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego, congregations with cool roofs experience significant savings in their energy bills.
Smog Prevention
Much of California's air pollution comes from the energy sector.
Two of the main ingredients of smog are sulfur dioxide (SO2)
and nitrogen oxide (NOx). Thousands of pounds of these pollutants
were also prevented by the conservation measures described
above. In total, CIPL members prevented over 135 pounds of
SO2 and 1,666 pounds of NOx emissions.
Education
CIPL's members have engaged in conservation as an educational
and inspirational topic as well. The Spotlight on Global Warming
Project showed the movie "An Inconvenient Truth"
at 369 congregations throughout California between September
and November. Coordinated by the Regeneration Project and
in conjunction with other State IPL's, this project successfully
attracted media attention and raised the awareness of global
warming to thousands of congregants around the state. This
year's annual survey counted 65% of member congregations surveyed
have given sermons in the past year dedicated to global warming
and energy consumption. 62% of member congregations surveyed
participated in community and denominational outreach programs
to better inform their communities about the effects of global
warming and environmental degradation.
Conclusion
Reducing emissions in our own facilities is California Interfaith Power and Light's way of living our faith. As religious institutions that profess love for God's Creation, we must be conscious of our own energy consumption and reduce waste and pollution as much as possible. The success we have had demonstrates the impact that congregations can have by making simple, low-cost, energy improvements and utilizing clean energy alternatives.
Perhaps most important of all is the impact we have beyond our own walls. Our congregations serve as examples to their congregants and to their communities, and represent the leading edge of a profound change that must take place in society. Guided by our shared values, our country, including our government through its policies, must develop a new approach to the way it uses energy. It is CIPL's intention to lead that change. |
