Feature: How One Church Conserves Energy
Carol B. Smith
by Carol B. Smith, Madison, Wisconsin
In 1977 the energy crisis became real for Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, when members learned their utility bills could total one million dollars during the next twenty-two years. "That realization became a spur to doing something," said the pastor of the congregation at the time. There were many possibilities for action: installation of ceiling fans; insulation of walls, windows, boilers, hot water heaters, and ceilings; use of controlled thermostats, some with timers attached; lowered ceilings; purchase of new, more efficient furnaces or conversion from oil to gas heat; better caulking and weatherstripping; addition of storm windows; and construction of entry vestibules for wind protection. Changes in schedule were also listed among conservation measures: meetings held in homes during the week; meetings held at church on the same night of the week; worship held in the basement during the coldest weather; and entrances locked on unprotected sides of the buildings in winter. Trinity Lutheran, with a congregation of over 2,000 and a very large, very inefficient building, decided on a three-phase program. Phase one for conserving energy included new storm windows, a new boiler pump, and timers on thermostats. But the major expenditure was for insulation and re-roofing of the sanctuary and education buildings. The projects were based on a study of specific needs, and the pastor admits many were costly. "We had a special fund drive and raised our $50,000 goal in eight months. We're not a congregation renowned for exceptional generosity; we simply realized the money would be spent one way or another. People will respond to the cost of conserving," he said. 'The beauty of money ...
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