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| The Congregational Covenant |
Energy Efficiency Improvements |
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| Implementing the Covenant |
Renewable Energy |
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| Education |
Analyze Greenhouse Gas Emissions |
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| Energy Audit |
Support Public Policies
En Español
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Fill out the covenant form online.
You can also download the Covenant and send it by fax:
Download a PDF version of the Congregational Covenant
Please fax completed form to: (415) 561-4892 |
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The Covenant contains six actions that your congregation may take as you begin the process becoming a more environmentally aware spiritual community. Your congregation and its members may already have implemented some of these actions, or are contemplating doing so. The six points below are intended as starting points and guideposts in this process, and provide suggestions and links to resources that should prove helpful as you move forward.
If you know of additional resources and programs that you would like to share, please send them to us at info@interfaithpower.org.
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This is an opportunity to provide an educational forum for your congregation about the theological underpinnings of global warming. Whether it is a sermon, special workshop, adult education group or a newsletter article, there are many sources for information about theology and climate change available on our web site. Our site’s Theology section includes sermons, denominational statements/declarations about global warming or energy issues, and other useful web sites. Our site's Education section has information on global warming facts and figures and impact, environmental justice, and California's energy sources.
If you have a sermon that you would like to share with other CIPL members, please send it to us!
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Reducing your congregation’s energy use will save you money and reduce your carbon dioxide emissions, a primary global warming causing greenhouse gas. While there are many options for how to reduce your energy use, an energy audit is a good place to start so that you can learn about your unnecessary energy use and simple energy retrofits for your building. Below is a list of the contact information for utility districts that offer a free energy audit (make sure you ask for an "in-person" one). Additionally, Energy Corporation provides comprehensive audits to congregations (not free). You can also conduct a home energy audit by clicking here
Pacific Gas & Electric: 1-800-468-4743
Sacramento Municipal Utility District: 916-732-5442
San Diego Gas & Electric: 1-800-411-SDGE (7343)
Southern California Edison (not on site): 1-800-736-4777
LA Dept. of Water and Power (online
only)
Energy: 510-891-0446
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Energy Tips
For information about low-cost ways
to cut your energy use and utility rebates and information
click here. There is also a one-page
list of simple things congregants can do at home to reduce
their energy use, this document would be useful as a bulletin
insert or on a message board. Click
here for our Tips Page. Also contact your utility
district about rebates for energy retrofits.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Programs
CIPL offers several energy efficiency
programs. We offer LED (light emitting diode) exit signs
at cost to all of our members. These are the most energy
efficient signs available and will cut your congregation’s
energy use, pollution and utility bills. Click
here for more information
Shop IPL: An Online Store
ShopIPL.org
is an online store co-sponsored by Energy Federation
Incorporated and the Interfaith Power and Light programs
to provide energy efficient products to the faith community.
The site includes detailed descriptions of products
and explains how they save energy. ShopIPL.org
provides a 10 percent discount to congregations
and their members by entering the discount code "shopipl"
during checkout. This discount is only available
to CIPL members. Is your congregation a CIPL
member? If not, fill out this Covenant
to become one. Individuals shopping at ShopIPL.org
for your home can also use the discount code; remember
to click on your congregation from the drop-down menu
when ordering.
EPA Energy Star for Congregations
All CIPL members are automatically part of the EPA Energy Star for Congregations Program. You will receive their comprehensive guide, Putting Energy into Stewardship. They are also available to answer any of your questions at 1 888 STAR YES (1 888-782-7937) or epasmallbiz@aspensys.com.
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Green Energy
The majority of California power
comes from power plants generated by coal, nuclear power
and natural gas. These sources are harmful to our environment.
Green energy, such as solar or wind, is a simple way
to purchase clean, reliable and renewable energy for
the power grid. There are a few organizations (mainly
municipal utilities) that offer the option to
purchase green energy, such as solar and wind, in
California. But the best thing you can do is to look
into a renewable energy system for your home or congregation.
Solar Financing Guide
CIPL offers this Solar Financing Guide to help your congregation learn
about solar electricity,
and how to finance a system for your congregation.
Green Tags
For those that cannot purchase green power through their local utility, you can buy green tags. This is a way to offset your carbon dioxide emissions and support renewable energy. The Center for Resource Solutions has information about various Green Tag options.
NativeEnergy provides a green tag option that helps build Native American wind farms.
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Calculate your total greenhouse
gas emissions as much as possible through the utilization
of clean energy. Track your progress in reducing emissions
through Energy Star for Congregation's Portfolio Manager
software. Talk to energy experts. Offset what is left
by planting trees, contributing to a wind turbine fund
or purchasing endangered forestland.
Tree Planting Programs
California Re-Leaf - an alliance of non-profits organizations providing various tree services including free or low cost planting, tree maintenance and restoration of native oak habitats.
LADWP: Trees for a Green LA Program
- customers are eligible to receive FREE trees.
SMUD - also gives FREE trees to customers.
Wind Turbine Fund
NativeEnergy enables individuals, businesses and congregations to help finance Native American-owned wind turbines to offset their contributions to global warming.
Protect Endangered Trees
Your donation will go to non-profit organizations in rainforest regions that are purchasing land to protect, community conservation efforts and local economic initiatives.
Rainforest Action Network
Rainforest Alliance
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The CIPL e-newsletter includes theological perspectives, quotes on environmental stewardship and global warming, and updates about state and national global warming and energy policies with action suggestions. We encourage our members to contact their state and/or national politicians, urging them to support legislation that address global warming. There are many facets to global warming policies, including: vehicles fuel economy and emissions, environmental justice issues and health-related issues. Feel free to contact us if you would like additional information or have questions or would like to be on the e-mail newsletter list (we do not ever share member information with anyone).
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