Here are some examples of New Hampshire congregations that have taken actions to reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to fight global warming. Through our work, New Hampshire Interfaith Power and Light intends to multiply these stories in the coming years.
Temple Beth Abraham -- Nashua (Jewish)
In 2007, one of the officers of the synagogue noticed that bills for electricity and gas were rising. She arranged for experts from Keyspan (now NationalGrid), PSNH, and RISE Engineering to come and tour the synagogue's attic. They identified air leaks as well as insufficient insulation left from the building's expansion and renovation in 2001.
In fall 2008, the Board of Directors voted to invest $25,000 for three types of insulation: foam to fill in holes, foam board to fill in large spaces and the addition of cellulose. The congregation contracted with RISE Engineering and the project was completed in a very short time. Between an immediate rebate of 20% and the expected energy savings, the Board determined that the project might pay for itself within 3-5 years. So far the results are encouraging. Last year was one of the coldest winters of the decade, yet energy use was lower compared with the same month the previous year.
Grace Episcopal Church -- (Manchester)
Grace Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Curate Grace Burson and the Creation Team have been working towards conserving energy and helping our environment locally and abroad by:
- replacing many light bulbs with CFLs
- selling LED holiday lights (which consume up to 98% less energy than incandescent lights) at reduced prices
- significantly lowering thermostats in worship areas and choir and classrooms
- using ceramic cups instead of paper or styrofoam
- serving organic and shade-grown coffee at coffee hour, helping to provide a pesticide-free environment friendly to wildlife
- during summer 2009 grew a "Community Garden" on church property, and donated the produce to New Horizons, a local program providing meals for the needy
