Energy Star available to houses of worship

By Kevin Matthews
Vice President, Energy and Environment Sector

America’s houses of worship now have access to special tools to track energy use and improve efficiency in the large sanctuaries where such efforts pose unique challenges.

The Environmental Protection Agency has made the Energy Star label available to the estimated 370,000 congregations across the United States and invites them to join the nation’s schools, hospitals, hotels, and other facilities in their efforts to fight climate change, save energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

According to a press release, worship facilities in the United States spend more than $3 billion annually on energy costs. Improving the energy efficiency of America's houses of worship by just 10 percent would save nearly 2 billion kilowatt-hours each year, preventing more than 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions and representing a cost savings of about $315 million annually.

The EPA’s energy tracking tool and energy management strategy associated with the Energy Star program allows facilities to gauge energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions, set targets for investment priorities, and verify efficiency improvements. Certainly, these tools will help address the challenges presented by the size of sanctuaries, such as lighting and temperature control alternatives.

To learn more about Energy Star for congregations, visit http://www.energystar.gov/congregations.

Kevin Matthews is Vice President of Energy and Environment for NSI where he runs the day-to-day sector operations and works with clients on sustainable solutions for interfacing with state and local governments. Prior to joining NSI, Mr. Matthews held various positions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. where he worked for Administrator Carol M. Browner and served as both Special Assistant and Senior Congressional Liaison.