St. John’s Lutheran in Cedar Falls recently received $1,000 in matching funds to help implement an energy saving measure in their church. The grant comes from the Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Green Cedar Valley Initiative.
In order to be eligible, they first applied for Green Certification
status through the Green Cedar Valley Initiative. Green Certification
requires that a church or business demonstrate that they are
taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of their building and
operations.After helping to host a Cool Congregations training workshop last year, Linda Holm, a member of the St. John’s Green Team says, “It just made sense as people of faith to care for God’s Creation.”
Linda, who helped her green team apply for the grant, explained how they will use the money, “We will install new computer software and baffles that will allow us to control the climate in 'zones' within our building. During the week, there is no need to condition the Sunday school classrooms and worship spaces, but the office area needs to be heated or cooled. On the weekend, it’s the opposite.”
The computer software will allow them to set up a default program that they can override should the need arise for weddings or funerals. The program is "smart" enough that it will ramp up the conditioning start time. For example, on Saturday night the system increases conditioning by 2-3 degrees every couple of hours. This gradual adjustment in temperature control is a more energy efficient method of space conditioning according to Pete Olson of Cedar Falls Utilities.
“It’s people like the Green Team at St. John’s who will help the Cedar Valley become increasingly aware and active in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing and redirecting waste, and ensuring cleaner air and water for generations to come,” says Brooke Burnham, creator of the Green Cedar Valley Initiative.
The Green Cedar Valley Initiative is designed to develop and promote the Cedar Valley as an environmentally progressive location to live, work, and visit. This is achieved through Green Certification, grant awards, and education on green practices.
The next grant application deadline is March 1st, 2010. For more information on the Green Cedar Valley Initiative, contact Brooke Burnham at 319-233-8350 or Brooke@TravelWaterloo.com.
In the picture Brooke Burnham from the Waterloo Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (L) presents an award to three members of the St. John's Green Team.