Programs and Grants Pay for Initial Audits of Churches
Many faiths teach the importance of taking care of the environment and now churches in Michigan and around the country are taking this lesson to heart.
The Michigan Interfaith Power and Light Group is working with church leaders around the state to make houses of worship more energy efficient. A grant from DTE energy is paying for energy audits in 30 Michigan churches as a first step. This is all part of the Michigan Public Service Commissions' Energy Optimization program, aimed to reduce energy consumption and costs by rebating & funding energy audits, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
Ric Evans, energy auditor and owner of Charlevoix-based Paradigm Energy Services, recently completed a walkthrough of the Central Methodist Church in Traverse City, assessing the building's energy usage and looking for ways to increase efficiency.
Evans says the unique architecture of churches, whether new or old can pose a challenge. "They have steeples and domes and they're built more for their unique uses than for efficiency. Each church is different."
"Some of the churches I've done so far have had 50 to 60 thousand dollars a year in energy costs," says Evans. "That's a lot of expense that can be trimmed significantly. One of my roles is to help prioritize what needs to be changed or improved."
An energy audit starts with a walkthrough of the church. The auditor makes detailed notes and takes photos around the building. From there, the information goes into an extensive report which identifies "energy leaks" and suggestions for fixing them. Evans says upgrades to lighting and heating systems are the most common recommendations he has made to church leaders.
After the audit is complete, Evans says just making a few improvements can immediately start saving the church 20 to 40 percent off their energy bills. "The money can then be put toward other things rather than just going to the utility company every month," says Evans.
For many churches, Evans says the initial investments involved in making the improvements can be challenging, but finds that most are willing to upgrade inefficient equipment. "They're thinking in the long term and plan on being here for a long time."
If a church would like to apply for the free energy audit, they can contact the Michigan Interfaith Power and Light Group at 877-475-6424, or Ric Evans of Paradigm Energy Services 231-883-3146, the Michigan Interfaith Power and Light Energy Auditor for the Northern Michigan areas.
