ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

i December 2007 

Getting Started ...................................................................................................................................................... 1

Getting Started: Identifying Projects........................................................................................................... 1

Getting Started: Finding Funds .................................................................................................................. 2

Getting Started: Selecting Contractors....................................................................................................... 3

Getting Started: Prioritizing Projects .......................................................................................................... 3

Getting Started: Managing Projects ........................................................................................................... 4

Sure Energy Savers .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Larger Opportunities............................................................................................................................................. 8

Larger Opportunities: Building Shell........................................................................................................... 9

Larger Opportunities: Lighting.................................................................................................................. 11

Larger Opportunities: Commercial Food Service Equipment................................................................... 18

Larger Opportunities: Heating, Cooling & Ventilating .............................................................................. 19

Larger Opportunities: Office Equipment & Appliances............................................................................. 21

Sanctuary/Worship Space.................................................................................................................................. 23

Sanctuary Space – A Closer Look at Opportunities................................................................................. 23

Calculate Savings................................................................................................................................................ 25

Calculate: Assess Your Savings Potential! .............................................................................................. 26

Calculate: Financial Analysis ................................................................................................................... 27

Calculate: Saving With ENERGY STAR .................................................................................................. 28

Calculate: Indirect Benefits....................................................................................................................... 28

Green Your Congregation .................................................................................................................................. 29

Green Your Congregation: Renewable Energy and Green Power.......................................................... 30

Green Your Congregation: Air Pollution................................................................................................... 31

Green Your Congregation: New Building Design..................................................................................... 32

Green Your Congregation: Paper ............................................................................................................ 32

Green Your Congregation: Recycling ...................................................................................................... 33

Green Your Congregation: Water ............................................................................................................ 34

Green Your Congregation: Mega-Churches ............................................................................................ 35

Green Your Congregation: Learn More!................................................................................................... 37
GETTING STARTED

 Virtually any congregational facility can improve its energy efficiency easily and cost-effectively, using the 

numerous resources that are available both from ENERGY STAR, as well as, a wide variety of other 

organizations. These resources are available to help you through the process of completing an upgrade. This 

process can be broken into major activities that are involved in carrying out an energy improvement project. 

Major Activities 

Identifying Projects

Finding Funds

Selecting Contractors

Prioritizing Projects

Managing Projects

GETTING STARTED: IDENTIFYING PROJECTS

As the saying goes, “time is money” and that can be particularly true for congregational 

facilities. However, not taking time (to save energy) can mean big money lost that could 

be used for other outreach and stewardship initiatives. 

Reduction in daily energy costs and monthly utility bills for the lifetime of your facility can 

make it well worth the time needed to pursue effective-efficiency upgrades. Here are 

some strategies to jump-start your energy savings: 

` Ask your utility if they offer free or inexpensive energy audits and/or rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades. 

A good place to start is the Energy Crossroads Web site (EXIT>) - a consolidated listing, by state, of many 

of the utility energy-efficiency programs. 

` Invite contractors to your facility to suggest upgrades and provide free estimates. 

` Contract with an energy professional to coordinate and manage your project.

` Leverage your time by drawing on the expertise of ENERGY STAR by visiting its Congregations Web site. 

1 May 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GETTING STARTED: FINDING FUNDS

Access to capital for an energy-efficiency upgrade need not be an issue. Some 

upgrades require little funding. For those that do require investment, don’t worry; there 

are many traditional and non-traditional financial resources available. A well-designed 

upgrade can provide your facility a positive cash flow from energy savings while paying 

off the investment for new equipment. 

For small, inexpensive projects, you may want to use your own internal 

funds to pay for the upgrade. Depending on your congregation’s 

finances, this could come from your savings, operating budget, or 

funding raising initiatives. For larger jobs, financing might be the only 

way to pay for the upgrade. Fortunately, a variety of sources and 

mechanism

2 December 2007 

s exist to help finance energy-efficiency improvement 

rojects. 

nergy-efficiency investments are 

our hedge against the certainty of higher utility bills that you cannot control. 

he following resources can help you find funding information and opportunities for your upgrade: 

Did You Kno

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mone

of 

 upgrades typically save you 

be used to pay for the cost 

projects. 

p

It’s your decision to weigh your competing needs for funds versus continuing increases in operating costs for 

energy. Remember – even a long-term investment on energy efficiency results in affordable comfort, and new, 

more reliable equipment that will pay for itself with energy savings. Strategic e

y

T

To help you locate special offers and rebates in your area, ENERGY STAR provides an online zip code driven 

tool. Another resource for incentives and rebates is the DSIRE Database for State Incentives for Renewables 

and Efficiency. 

ENERGY STAR’s Resources: Finance, Products & Services Web page 

ENERGY STAR’s Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs (DEEP) 

ENERGY STAR’s Buildings Upgrade Manual - Financing Section (PDF) 

(EXIT>) 

Energy Crossroads 

DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Financial Opportunities 

National Association of State Energy Officials’ “State and Territory Energy Offices” Web page

Alliance to Save Energy’s Financing Energy Efficiency Web page 

Local Government Commission’s Funding Opportunities 

ses. Read more about this strategy in ENERGY STAR’s Group Purchasing Fact 

Another aspect of funding energy efficiency is group purchasing to achieve lower unit prices on efficient 

equipment with volume purcha

Sheet (PDF) 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GETTING STARTED: SELECTING CONTRACTORS

The selection of experienced, competent contractors and other energy professionals is critical to the success of 

your energy-efficiency project(s). Here are some guidelines to aid you in choosing a contractor: 

` Ask for multiple current references that you can contact about work the contractor performed. 

` Ask the contractor to provide a cost-estimate in writing for any work they will do. 

` Make sure they are licensed and insured contractor. 

` The contractor should certify that their work conforms to state and local regulations and codes. 

` Verify that the contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance. 

` Make sure the contractor has experience and will use energy-efficient equipment. 

Visit ENERGY STAR’s online “Service and Product Provider Directory” and search for contractors and energy 

professionals in your area to help you with your upgrade(s). 

Did You Know? 

Many contractor associations offer valuable 

information and advice on selecting a 

contractor, and a directory of listings. For 

example, visit the Air Conditioning 

Contractors of America (EXIT>) Web site. 

Check the following sources for additional tips on selecting a 

contractor: 

ENERGY STAR’s 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

(EXIT>) 

California Energy Commission’s How To Hire An Energy Services 

Company Handbook (PDF) 

California Energy Commission’s How To Hire An Energy Auditor To 

Identify Energy Efficiency Projects Handbook (PDF) 

State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board Consumer Help

The members of your congregation may also find the following resources useful: 

ENERGY STAR’s Recommendations for Finding a Contractor 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Home Energy Saver (EXIT>)

GETTING STARTED: PRIORITIZING PROJECTS

You may wonder, “Where should I start?” Do I replace one piece of equipment or 

system at a time? Or, should I do a comprehensive upgrade of my entire facility? The 

answer will vary depending on each individual facility’s situation. The age of your current 

equipment and facility systems, your type facility, your local utility rates, your hours of 

operation, and your access to financial resources are all key factors in what level of 

upgrade makes sense. One place to start is with low-cost and no-cost changes such as 

those listed in the Sure Energy Savers section of this guide. 

If cash flow is an issue, you may want to wait until a piece of equipment or system fails or is a certain number of 

years old before replacing it with an energy-efficient model. However, if you are building a new facility or doing a 

major remodel, you should incorporate energy-efficient upgrades into your design due to the lower incremental 

cost of “doing it right the first time.” For an existing facility, it may come down to what is financially feasible for 

your facility at a particular time. Ask your contractor if they can assist you in prioritizing your energy-efficiency 

projects. 

In addition, the following resources may be helpful to you: 

ENERGY STAR’s Cash Flow Opportunity (CFO) Calculator 

ENERGY STAR’s Building Upgrade Manual’s Business Analysis Section (PDF) 

(EXIT>) 

DOE’s Building Technologies Program’s Planning and Financing Your Project

3 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GETTING STARTED: MANAGING PROJECTS

The size and complexity of the energy-efficiency project your congregation undertakes will most likely be the 

main factor in deciding who will manage the project. For something as simple as replacing HVAC filters or 

replacing incandescent lamps (light bulbs) with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), you, your 

staff or members could do it yourselves. Depending on the skills available to you, installing caulking and 

weather-stripping, ceiling fans, occupancy sensors for lights, LED exit signs, and programmable thermostats 

may be “do-it-yourself” projects not requiring outside help. 

A more complex project, such as designing and replacing your facility’s entire 

lighting system, will require the help of someone who has experience managing that 

type of project. Here are some resources to assist you in the process of managing 

your energy-efficiency projects: 

ENERGY STAR’s Create Action Plan 

ENERGY STAR’s New Building Design

California Energy Commission’s How to Hire a Construction Manager For Your Energy Efficiency Projects 

Handbook (PDF) 

As your facility implements energy-efficient projects it is good practice to continuously assess energy 

performance to ensure that savings are being achieved. ENERGY STAR offers tools to help you understand 

and assess your facility’s energy performance. 

4 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

5 December 2007 

SURE ENERGY SAVERS

It’s easy to get started improving the energy efficiency of your congregational facility with little expertise or 

money. There are many reliable, low-risk, high-return actions that you can do, and are relatively simple! If 

resources permit, undertaking a comprehensive energy efficiency program, with the assistance of a professional 

if needed, would yield even greater savings. However, while you are considering a comprehensive program at 

least implement as many of the actions from the following list that you can to start saving now! Further 

information on these topics can be found in the Larger Opportunities section of this Guide. 

Lighting 

` Turn off lights (and other equipment) when not in use. High utility costs often include paying for 

energy that is completely wasted by equipment left “on” for long periods while not in use. 

` Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lamps 

(CFLs), wherever appropriate. CFLs cost about 75% less to operate, and last about 10 times 

longer. 

` Install switch plate occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn lighting off when 

no one is present, and back on when people return. Even good equipment can be installed 

wrong, so don’t install the sensor behind a coat rack, door, bookcase, etc. It must be able to 

“see” an approaching person’s motion to turn on the light before, or as they enter an unlit area. 

` Adjust lighting to your actual needs; use free “daylighting.” 

` To prevent glare, eyestrain, and headaches, do not “over-light.” Too much light can be as bad for visual quality as 

too little light – and it costs a lot more. 

` Install ENERGY STAR qualified exit signs. These exit signs can dramatically reduce maintenance by eliminating 

lamp replacement and can save $10 dollars per sign annually in electricity costs while preventing up to 500 

pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. 

` Consider upgrading from older T12 (1.5" diameter) tubes with magnetic ballasts to more efficient T8 (1" diameter) 

fluorescent lamp tubes with solid-state electronic ballasts. 

Heating and Air Conditioning 

` “Tune-up” your heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system with an annual 

maintenance contract. Even a new ENERGY STAR qualified HVAC system, like a new car, 

will decline in performance without regular maintenance. A contract automatically ensures 

that your HVAC contractor will provide “pre-season” tune-ups before each cooling and 

heating season. Your chances of an emergency HVAC breakdown also become very 

remote with regular maintenance. 

` Regularly change (or clean if reusable) HVAC filters every month during peak cooling or heating season. New 

filters usually only cost a few dollars. Dirty filters cost more to use, overwork the equipment, and result in lower 

indoor air quality. 

` Install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat to automate your HVAC system. This solid-state, 

electronic device optimizes HVAC operation“24/7” based on your schedule, and can be “overridden” as needed 

for unscheduled events. So congregation members, staff and visitors always enter a comfortable facility, this 

“smart thermostat” can turn on the HVAC a certain amount of time before arrival instead of heating or cooling 

unoccupied space. 

` Control direct sun through windows depending on the season and local climate. During cooling season, block 

direct heat gain from the sun shining through glass on the east and especially west sides of the facility. 

Depending on your facility, options such as “solar screens,” “solar films,” awnings, and vegetation can help. Over 

time, trees can attractively shade the facility, and help clean the air. Interior curtains or drapes can help, but it’s 

best to prevent the summer heat from getting past the glass and inside. During heating season, with the sun low 

in the South, unobstructed southern windows can contribute solar heat gain during the day. 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

` Keep exterior doors closed while running your HVAC. It sounds simple but it will help to avoid wasteful loss of 

heated or cooled air. 

` Use fans when a room/area is occupied.. Comfort is a function of temperature, humidity, and air movement. 

Moving air can make a somewhat higher temperature and/or humidity feel comfortable. Fans can help delay or 

reduce the need for air conditioning, and a temperature setting of as much as 3 to 5 degrees higher can feel just 

as comfortable with fans, and each degree of higher temperature can save about 3% on cooling costs. When the 

temperature outside is more comfortable than inside, a “box fan” in the window, or large “whole facility” fan in the 

attic, can push air out of the facility and pull in comfortable outside air. Fans can improve comfort and save 

energy year round. 

` Plug leaks with weather stripping and caulking. This will help prevent the escape of heated or cooled air from 

your facility. Caulking and weather stripping also let you manage your ventilation, which is the deliberate 

controlled exchange of stuffy inside air for fresher outdoor air. To learn more about indoor air quality in your 

facility visit EPA’s “Indoor Air Quality” Web page. 

Office Equipment 

` Always buy ENERGY STAR qualified products for your facility. The ENERGY STAR mark 

indicates the most efficient computers, printers, copiers, televisions, windows, thermostats, 

ceiling fans, and other appliances and equipment. 

Water – Hot and Cold 

` Fix leaks. Small leaks add up to many gallons of water and dollars wasted each month. 

Water conservation saves energy and money, especially when it is hot water. 

` Use water-saving faucets, (EXIT>) showerheads, (EXIT>) toilets and urinals (EXIT>) to 

save water. 

` Install an insulation blanket on water heaters seven years of age or older, and insulate the first 3 feet of the 

heated water “out” pipe on both old and new units. 

` If buying a new water heater, always buy the most efficient model possible. In areas of infrequent water use, 

consider “tankless” water heaters to reduce “standby” storage costs and waste. 

` Set water temperature only as hot as needed (110-120 degrees) to prevent scalds and save energy (check local 

codes for specific temperatures). 

` When landscaping, practice green landscaping (greenscaping or xeriscaping) to preserve natural resources and 

prevent waste and pollution by using plants native to your climate that require minimal watering and possess 

better pest resistance. If local code allows, consider diverting “gray water” (PDF) for irrigation rather than using 

fresh water. 

Kitchen and Food Service Equipment 

` Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified commercial food service equipment. For example, 

qualified refrigerators and freezers are on average 35% more energy efficient than 

standard models, which equals up to $170 annually for refrigerators and $120 for freezers; 

deep fryers can save between $80 and $600 per year; hot food holding cabinets can save 

an average of $430 per year; and steam cookers can save nearly $550 per year depending 

on fuel. 

` For existing refrigerators, clean refrigerator coils twice a year and replace door gaskets if a dollar bill easily slips 

out when closed between the door’s seals. 

` Have large and walk-in refrigeration systems serviced at least annually. This includes cleaning, refrigerant top off, 

lubrication of moving parts, and adjustment of belts. This will help ensure efficient operation and longer 

equipment life. 

` Consider retrofitting existing refrigerators and display cases with anti-sweat door heater controls, and variable 

speed evaporator fan motors and controls. 

6 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

7 December 2007 

Funding 

` Check the various government entities in your area for tax incentives the may apply to energy-efficiency 

upgrades you perform in your facility. 

` Contact your local utilities to inquire about rebate programs they have that may apply to energy-efficiency 

upgrades to your facility. 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

8 December 2007 

LARGER OPPORTUNITIES

Building Shell

Building shell improvements are one of the first places you should focus on when upgrading your existing 

congregational facility. Start with the low cost/no cost opportunities. Like the lighting system, these factors are 

key to properly sizing the heating and cooling system during new construction or major upgrades. 

Lighting 

Lighting is a critical component of every congregational facility. Your staff must be able to see to perform their 

duties, and objects and spaces must be aesthetically pleasing to your congregation. 

Commercial Food Service Equipment 

When you think of commercial food service equipment (CFSE), you probably think of restaurants, however CFSE is present 

in a variety of other facilities as well. 

Heating, Cooling & Ventilating 

Proper heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (known in the trade as HVAC) are key to maintaining a 

comfortable, and healthy environment. Improved heating and cooling performance along with substantial energy 

savings can be achieved by implementing energy-efficiency measures. 

Office Equipment & Appliances 

When congregational facility owners/operators think of energy consumption, they naturally focus on building 

operations (such as lighting and air-conditioning) and its shell components, but not necessarily on the energy 

consuming office equipment and appliances contained within. 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

LARGER OPPORTUNITIES: BUILDING SHELL

Building shell improvements are one of the first places you should focus on when 

upgrading your existing congregational facility. Start with the low cost/ no cost 

opportunities. Like the lighting system, these factors are key to properly sizing the 

heating and cooling system during new construction or major upgrades. 

These elements of the building are a major investment that should be purchased 

on a “life-cycle costing” or return-on-investment basis, rather than lowest initial 

cost. Over the life of the building, the operating savings in energy alone will far 

outweigh the initial cost of these items. Plus, in the case of new construction, it will 

be less costly to “do it right the first time,” than to make even more costly upgrades 

to insulation, windows, walls or roofing material later. 

The sections below will help you learn how to make your facility more energy efficient through improvements to 

your building shell. For additional information that may be applicable to your facility please visit the ENERGY 

STAR Home Sealing Web page. 

Insulation 

` Roofing 

` Walls 

` Windows 

` Slabs and Foundations 

` Tightening An Existing Building 

` Passive Solar Design and Orientation 

Insulation 

Insulation is a critical component of every facility, helping to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the 

winter. Always insulate your new facility to model building codes, which are discussed in the “New Building 

Design” section of this Guide. For retrofits, use these codes as guidelines to ensure that you get the amount of 

insulation that will save you energy and be cost effective. 

(EXIT>) 

DOE’s Insulation Fact Sheet

Flex Your Power’s Commercial Product Guide - Insulation

National Insulation Association

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Roofing 

Energy-savings opportunities can be achieved by carefully choosing roofing materials and by purchasing 

ENERGY STAR qualified roof products when possible. Some areas that should be considered when upgrading 

your roof include: 

` Insulation: When specifying or replacing a roof, insulation can be placed under the roof. 

` Radiant Barriers: In addition to traditional insulation, radiant barriers save energy both in the summer and 

winter by re-directing radiant energy in the facility. 

` Cool Roofing: These systems lower heat gain for facilities by reflecting the sun’s radiant energy, saving 

energy on air-conditioning. Consult your roofing and HVAC professionals to learn if cool roofing is an option 

for your congregational facility. 

To learn more about energy-efficiency opportunities for roofing visit: 

ENERGY STAR’s Qualified Roof Products

(EXIT>) 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Cool Roofing Materials Database

 State energy offices 

 Model energy codes such as the 

International Energy Conservation Code 

and those published by ASHRAE. 

Project Suggestion 

To determine the correct amount of 

insulation for your project consult the 

following: 

 Local energy codes and officials 

9 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

10 December 2007 

Walls 

Exterior walls (and those connected to unconditioned spaces) should be insulated. When exterior walls are 

being constructed or are bare during a renovation, consider a quality building wrap. These materials have a low 

cost per square foot of material and can help drastically reduce air and moisture infiltration into the conditioned 

space. 

To learn more about building wraps visit DOE EERE’s Consumer’s Guide Combination Air Barriers/Vapor 

Diffusion Retarders Web page. (EXIT>)

Windows 

A single-paned window has an R-value (measure of the 

ability to prevent heat flow) of 1, making it little more 

than a hole in the wall. Fortunately, in recent years, 

double-paned windows, along with other energyefficient features, have become more standard. Older 

facilities can likely benefit from improvements to 

windows. Improvements you should consider when 

upgrading your windows and frames include: 

` Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified windows, which 

feature a combination of new technologies that s

you energy and money 

ave 

o Low-E glass, and advanced coatings that block 

` Double or triple-paned glass 

` Inert gas (e.g., krypton, argon, or nitrogen) fill 

` Low-emissivity, advertised as Low-E, glass/film or 

other advanced coatings/films 

` Window tinting appropriate for your region and 

facility orientation 

` Insulated frames, low-conductivity materials 

Many vendors are now promoting the advantages of 

window films – ranging from simple tints that block 

incoming light, to films that provide performance similar t

specific wavelengths of light. 

To learn more about windows visit: 

ENERGY STAR’s Qualified Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights

(EXIT>)

DOE EERE’s Consumer’s Guide Windows Web page 

Advanced Buildings Technologies & Practices’ Spectrally-selective Glazings

Advanced Buildings Technologies & Practices’ Low-conductivity Window Frames

Advanced Buildings Technologies & Practices’ Inert Gas Window Fills

Slabs and Foundations 

Slabs and foundations are frequently overlooked areas where energy savings can be realized. Just like walls 

and roofs, there are insulation opportunities for these areas that will save energy. For new congregational 

facilities, you should consider a vapor retarder between the foundation and the slab or earth. Vapor retarders 

reduce the amount of moisture, and other potentially harmful vapors, that can pass through slabs and 

foundations and add to discomfort and indoor air-quality issues in your facility. 

Learn more about vapor barriers by DOE EERE’s Consumer’s Guide Combination Air Barriers/Vapor Diffusion 

Retarders Web page (EXIT>) 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

11 December 2007 

Tightening An Existing Building 

There are many low-cost/do-it-yourself actions you can take to help your congregational facility reduce air 

leakage and costs. These actions include: 

` Filling gaps around doors and window frames with caulk, spray foam, and insulative batting. 

` Checking window and door weather stripping. If weather stripping is missing, hard, or cracked, it should be 

replaced. 

` For exterior doors with a gap underneath, (e.g., if you can see daylight) install door sweeps. 

Passive Solar Design and Orientation 

The orientation of a facility can affect energy consumption, particularly the energy used for heating and cooling. 

For a new congregational facility, consider passive solar design, or the practice of positioning a facility to take 

advantage of the sun’s natural heating and light energy, and to shade a facility from the sun where desirable. 

You can learn more by visiting the Advanced Buildings Technologies & Practices’ Passive Solar Heating Web 

page. (EXIT>) 

LARGER OPPORTUNITIES: LIGHTING

Lighting is a critical component of every congregational facility. Your 

staff must be able to see to perform their duties, and objects and spaces 

must be aesthetically pleasing to your congregation. 

Depending on the type of facility you operate, lighting can account for a 

large portion of your electricity cost. This means that significant cost 

savings can be achieved with energy-efficiency improvements, and due to continually improving equipment, 

lighting usually provides the highest return-on-investment of major upgrades. 

The Formula for Lighting Energy Efficiency 

Effective 

Design Technology 

Performance 

and Energy 

Savings 

+ = 

Upgraded lighting can save money through 

reduced energy use, and result in increased 

occupant comfort. 

Additional Lighting Links and Information 

Did You Know? 

Lighting Technology Lighting Design 

Make the decision early in your project to select energy-efficient 

lighting technology. The following pages discuss lighting 

technologies, their efficiency, and what might be right for your 

facility. 

` Incandescent Lighting Technology 

` Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) 

` Improved Halogen Systems 

` Fluorescent Lighting 

` High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting Systems 

` Exit Signs 

` Fixtures 

` Lighting controls 

` Daylighting 

` Future Lighting System Technologies 

High-quality lighting design includes the coordinated selection of 

lighting, fixtures, fixture placement, and room finishes (e.g., highreflectivity paint) to result in improved lighting quality. To achieve 

the best quality and efficiency from any new lighting system you 

install, consult a lighting professional with experience in energy 

efficiency. 

` Efficient Lighting Technology Selection Design Guide 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

12 December 2007 

Incandescent Lighting Technology 

Thomas Edison invented the first 

commercialized electric lighting technology in 

1879, the incandescent lamp. This simple 

inefficient technology has dominated lighting 

ince. Incandescent lamps come in two 

common type varieties: 

Did You Know? 

An incandescent lamp is a better heater than a 

light, with nearly 90% of the input energy being 

converted and lost in waste heat rather than light. applications ever s

` Standard Incandescent Lamps: Inefficient lamps used in 

many applications throughout a facility. 

` Halogen Lamps: Halogen lamps are a more advanced incandescent lamp technology commonly used to 

highlight merchandise, objects and architectural features due to their white light and “sparkle”. To learn 

more about incandescent lamps visit: 

DOE’s Building Technologies Program’s Building Toolbox - Incandescent Lamps (EXIT>) 

Where can you find incandescent lamps in your facility? 

` Recessed “can” fixtures 

` Wall sconces 

` Suspended fixtures 

` Lamps and task lighting 

` Accent lighting and “track” lighting 

` Illuminated exit signs 

` Exterior lighting 

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) 

CFLs are fluorescent lamps that have been specifically 

made in a compact form to replace incandescent lamps 

in traditional screw-in fixtures. These energy-efficient 

lamps come in a variety of styles and sizes and are 

suitable for a variety of applications. ENERGY STAR 

qualified CFLs use 75% less energy than a standard 

incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. 

Replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 32-watt CFL can save 

approximately $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. 

The long life of CFLs makes them ideal to use in hard-to-reach places due to their reduced 

need to be replaced as often. In addition, CFLs are cool to the touch, making them safer than 

incandescent and halogen lamps. To learn more about CFLs visit: 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs 

(EXIT>)

DOE EERE’s Consumer’s Guide Compact Fluorescent Lamps 

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Screwbase Compact Fluorescent Lamp Products Report (PDF)

Improved Halogen Systems 

Many incandescent lamps can be replaced with halogen lamps for a gain in efficiency 

and service life. Many standard halogens (aside from some specialty applications) can 

be replaced with high performance “Infrared” (IR) halogen lamps. These lamps work by 

increasing the operating temperature of the halogen lamp, increasing efficiency. 

Though more efficient than other incandescent and halogen lamps, these lamps are 

still inferior in efficiency to fluorescent and HID lighting systems. 

Did You Know? 

Magnetic ballast fluorescent lighting 

systems are vintage technology dating back 

to 1939. 

Did You Know? 

Compact fluorescent lamps come in a wide 

variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate 

most applications, even models that 

resemble incandescent lamps. 

Fluorescent Lighting 

Fluorescent lighting is the “standard” technology for 

lighting spaces such as offices and classrooms, and 

is up to four times more efficient than the 

incandescent lamp. However, older, obsolete 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

fluorescent lighting systems can result in poor light quality and flicker. Advancements in fluorescent lighting 

systems have resulted in the introduction of new systems that provide improved energy efficiency, lighting 

quality, and design flexibility. 

The primary components of standard fluorescent lighting systems are the ballast, which modifies incoming 

voltage and controls electrical current, and the lamp (bulb or tube), the source of artificial light. 

Traditional Systems: 

` T12 Fluorescent Lamps: One of the most common, but least efficient fluorescent systems. T12 lamps can 

be identified by their 1.5-inch diameter. 

` Magnetic Ballasts: Magnetic ballasts are common and still used extensively today due to their low initial 

cost. However, these ballasts are considerably less efficient than new electronic ballast designs and are 

prone to flicker and humming (particularly as they age). 

Standard fluorescent lamps are commonly used in a variety of places in a facility. Some common applications 

include: 

` Suspended and recessed “troffer” fixtures 

` Recessed “can” fixtures 

` Wall sconces 

` Suspended fixtures 

` Lamps and task lighting 

` Accent lighting and “track” lighting 

` Illuminated exit signs 

` Exterior and facade 

What energy-efficient technologies can replace T12 fluorescent lighting system?

Energy-Efficient Fluorescent Lighting Systems: These systems, using T8 (1” in diameter) and T5 (5/8” in 

diameter) lamps, offer improved efficiency, higher intensity, and potentially longer life due to reduced 

degradation in light output over time. T8 and T5 lighting systems are constantly increasing in flexibility and are 

now applicable to a variety of task and accent lighting applications, as well as general lighting of larger spaces. 

To learn more about T8 and T5 lamps visit: 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products

(EXIT>)

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Lighting Answers: T8 Fluorescent Lamps Fact Sheet (PDF) 

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Lighting Answers: T5 Fluorescent Systems

Energy-Efficient Electronic Ballasts: When specifying a fluorescent 

lighting system, always specify electronic ballasts. These ballasts 

provide near flicker-free operation while using up to 30% less energy 

than magnetic ballasts. 

To learn more about electronic ballasts visit: 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products

(EXIT>)

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Electronic Ballasts Fact Sheet (PDF)

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Guide to Specifying High-Frequency Electronic Ballasts (PDF) 

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting Systems 

Due to their intensity, HID lighting systems are useful for lighting large areas from high 

ceilings, and range from 50 to 2,000 watts each. Older HID installations are often mercury 

vapor lamps, an extremely inefficient design. Like fluorescent lamps, HID systems have 

ballasts, and systems built before 1978 may contain potentially harmful substances such 

as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). 

Project Suggestion 

You may be able to “de-lamp” or remove 

some of the lamps in your system and still 

have acceptable light levels, especially in 

concert with a T8 retrofit. Consult your 

lighting professional to see if this is an 

option for your facility. 

13 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

HID lamps are commonly used in the following applications: 

` Garages 

` Warehouses 

` Areas with high ceilings 

` Exterior safety and security lighting 

` Accent lighting 

14 December 2007 

What HID technologies are most efficient for my facility? 

For high-ceiling and exterior applications, specify metal halide or highpressure sodium vapor lamps. In areas you wish to highlight, or accent 

particular merchandise or objects, use small metal halide spotlights. To 

learn about HID lighting systems: 

(EXIT>) 

Advanced Buildings Technologies & Practices’ HID Electronic Ballasts & Lamps 

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Lighting Answers: Mid-Wattage Metal Halide Lamps 

National Lighting Product Information System’s HID Accent Lighting Systems Report (PDF) 

In some cases, you may be able to reduce the wattage of your already installed HID lamps by purchasing and 

installing specially designed reduced wattage metal halide lamps. For example, a special 360-watt metal halide 

can replace a 400-watt metal halide. Consult your lighting professional for more information. 

Exit Signs 

Exit signs are an excellent, low-cost, low-labor opportunity to increase the 

energy efficiency and safety of your facility. Replacing incandescent exit 

signs that operate at about 40 watts per sign, or fluorescent exit signs that 

operate between 12 and 20 watts per sign, with an ENERGY STAR 

qualified exit sign can increase the energy efficiency of your exit signs by 3 

to 8 times! Many ENERGY STAR qualified exit signs are based on lightemitting diode (LED) technology, while others are based on photoluminescent and electroluminescent technology. 

You may also be able to retrofit your exit sign with LED technology while retaining the housing. To learn more about 

ENERGY STAR qualified and other energy-efficient exit sign technologies please visit: 

Did You Know? 

ENERGY STAR qualified exit signs use 3 to 

8 times less energy than incandescent and 

fluorescent illuminated exit signs and reduce 

maintenance. 

Project Suggestion 

Consult your lighting professional about 

specifying more energy efficient T5 lighting 

systems instead of HID lighting systems. 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Exit Signs 

ENERGY STAR Congregations’ LED Exit Sign Fact Sheet (PDF) 

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Exit Signs Report (PDF) (EXIT>) 

Fixtures 

Specifying an energy-efficient lighting technology, such as T8 or T5 fluorescent lamps and 

electronic ballasts, is a critical step to improving the energy efficiency of your facility and saving 

money. However, lighting is a system and depends on the quality of the fixture (the apparatus 

that contain the lamp), combined with the lamp, ballast and placement (the position of fixtures 

in a room, which affects the amount of usable light that is supplied). Fixtures come in a wide 

variety of applications. Fixture selection may be guided by: 

` Efficient technology 

` Ceiling height 

` Spacing 

` Amount of glare 

` Distribution of light 

` Task plane height 

` Desired light level 

` Appearance 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

For the best energy efficiency and light quality consult a lighting 

professional or designer when selecting fixtures. To learn more about 

lighting fixtures and their impact on efficiency visit ENERGY STAR 

Qualified Products’ Lighting Web page.

15 December 2007 

Lighting Controls 

Controls are a key part of any lighting system. Specify controls that 

maximize the flexibility of your system while eliminating light usage, often automatically. Common controls 

include: 

` Bi-level Switching: Control of a lighting system in groups of fixtures or lamps, for example bi-level 

switching allows you to turn-half of the lights in a room off when full illumination is not required. Bi-level 

switching is commonly used in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms. 

` Dimmers: Dimming lighting systems allow you to control the amount of light and save energy. Dimmers are 

available for fluorescent and incandescent systems. Daylight dimmers are special sensors that automatically 

dim room lights based on the amount of free 

and natural daylight available. Dimmers are 

commonly used in conference rooms, 

classrooms, eating areas, and libraries. 

` Occupancy Sensors: These sensors detect 

the motion of room occupants, turning off lights 

in unoccupied areas and turning them back on 

when movement is detected. Occupancy 

sensors are commonly used in restrooms, 

classrooms, and warehouses. 

` Daylight Sensors (Photocells): A common 

inefficiency of exterior lighting systems is a 

tendency to “dayburn.” This is when lights are 

on during the day, wasting energy and money. 

This problem can be prevented by installing 

light-sensitive controls that turn the lights on 

and off automatically based on daylight, thus 

producing convenient energy savings. Timers 

can be used, but do not react to changing 

daylight conditions. 

To learn more about lighting controls systems visit: 

(EXIT>)

DOE’s Building Technologies Program’s Building Toolbox Lighting Controls

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Occupancy Sensors Report (PDF) 

National Lighting Product Information Program’s Photosensors Report (PDF) 

Lighting Controls Association

Energy Design Resources’ Design Brief: Lighting Controls Fact Sheet (PDF)

Did You Know? 

Research has shown that daylighting not 

only saves money but also improves 

productivity. 

Did You Know? 

The most efficient light is the light not used. 

Many control technologies are available to 

save money and add convenience to your 

lighting system. 

Daylighting 

Save money and resources by harvesting the free light of the sun! 

Daylight can be harvested by simply not blocking windows, and by 

dimming/turning off the lights based on available daylight throughout your 

facility. Common daylighting strategies include: 

` Controlling window light through blinds. 

` Sky lights and “sun tubes” 

` Light shelves 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

` Daylight dimming systems 

` To learn more about daylighting visit: 

(EXIT>) 

Daylighting Collaborative 

DOE’s Building Technologies Program’s Building Toolbox Daylighting

Energy Design Resources’ Design Guidelines: Daylighting Guidelines 

Future Lighting System Technologies 

LED Lighting 

In the last 20 years, light-emitting diode (LED) lamps have advanced from being indicators on consumer 

electronics, to an increasingly versatile and efficient lighting source. LED lighting has the potential to provide 

high efficiency, durability, and extremely long life. Currently, LED lighting is largely restricted to specialty uses 

such as accent lighting, LCD monitor backlighting, exit signs as well as use in traffic signals, vehicle brake lights, 

and strings of colored holiday lights. However, as the technology becomes more accepted in the market, its 

uses will expand and costs will become more competitive. A specific kind of LED, the organic light-emitting 

diode (OLED) promises to make energy efficient and designable light panels that can be used in a wide variety 

of architectural applications. To learn more about LED technology please visit: 

(EXIT>)

Lighting Research Center’s Solid-State Lighting Web page

LED Center

DOE’s Building Technologies Program’s Solid-State Lighting Web page

Induction or Electrodeless Fluorescent Lamps 

An induction lamp is a fluorescent lamp design that eliminates the most failure prone component of the system, 

the electrode, and produces light by exciting the lamp’s gas fill with radio frequencies. The result is improved 

efficiency over conventional fluorescent designs and extremely long life (upwards of 50,000 hours). Several 

induction designs are already on the market, but these lamps are best used for applications where extremely 

long lamp life is desired due to maintenance issues. To learn more about induction lamps visit GE’s Consumer 

& Industrial Lighting web page on Induction Lamps. (EXIT>) 

When selecting a lighting 

consultant/designer consider selecting one 

who is certified “LC” by the National Council 

on Qualifications for the Lighting 

Professions or “CLC” by the American 

Lighting Association. 

Efficient Lighting Technology Selection Design Guide Project Suggestion 

Many simple upgrades can be made with good results to existing 

systems and standard specifications. Examples of these include: 

` Substituting T8 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts for T12 

lamps and magnetic ballasts. 

` Replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps. 

` Installing fluorescent lighting systems in place of incandescent 

lighting systems. 

` Installing metal halide or high-pressure sodium vapor lamps in place of mercury vapor lamps. 

16 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

Lighting Technology Guide 

Technology 

Application and Example 

Incandescent Halogen HID Compact Fluorescent T12 Fluorescent (Linear) T8 Fluorescent (Linear) T5 Fluorescent (Linear) LED 

Low-Ceiling Offices, conference rooms, 

classrooms z z } } } z z

High Ceiling Warehouses, lobbies z z } } } } z

Exterior Lighting Parking lots z z } } } z z

Accent Lighting Displays, artwork z | } z } z z z

Task Lighting Desk lamps z | } z } z z z

Exit Sign Lighting Exit signs z } z

Key 

Not 

Applicable 

Low-Efficiency 

in Application 

Medium-Low 

Efficiency in 

Application 

Medium 

Efficiency in 

Application 

Medium-High 

Efficiency in 

Application 

High 

Efficiency 

in 

Application 

z | } } z

Note: This table is for informational purposes only, always consult your lighting professional before specifying a 

technology for your facility. 

To learn more about lighting design visit: 

(EXIT>) 

New Buildings Institute Lighting Guide

DesignLights Consortium

International Association of Lighting Designers

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s Lighting Design Lab 

Lithonia Lighting Visual Web page

For new construction and major retrofits 

consider having computer models of your 

lighting system developed by a qualified 

professional to ensure that the design meets 

the criteria for your facility. 

Project Suggestion 

Additional Lighting Links and Information 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products’ Change A Light, Change The World

ENERGY STAR Buildings Upgrade Manual’s Lighting Chapter (PDF) 

(EXIT>)

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America 

National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions

New Buildings Institute’s Lighting Web page 

International Association for Energy-Efficient Lighting

American Lighting Association 

Rensselear Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center 

DOE’s EERE’s Consumer’s Guide Lighting and Daylighting 

Energy Design Resources’ Energy Efficient Technologies: Lighting Design 

17 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

LARGER OPPORTUNITIES: COMMERCIAL FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT

When you think of commercial food service equipment (CFSE), you probably think of restaurants, however 

CFSE is present in a variety of other facilities as well. 

Facilities where CFSE may be found include: 

` Shelters 

` Halls 

` Schools 

` Congregations 

If you or members of your congregation operate a facility that serves food, there may be opportunities for saving 

energy and money from efficient CFSE equipment. CFSE is often the source of considerable energy and water 

consumption in a facility. ENERGY STAR has developed qualifications that identify some of the most efficient 

commercial food service equipment. ENERGY STAR qualified CFSE includes gas and electric deep fryers, hot 

food holding cabinets, gas and electric steam cookers, and commercial solid door refrigerators and 

freezers. 

ENERGY STAR has developed a Commercial Food Service Equipment Incentive Finder. This tool provides 

information about rebates for ENERGY STAR qualified CFSE that are available from utilities and other energyefficiency program sponsors. 

To learn about CFSE and other product energy-efficiency opportunities visit ENERGY STAR Small Business’s 

Restaurants Web page. 

For detailed information on specific commercial food service equipment visit the 

following: 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products’ Commercial Fryers

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products’ Commercial Steam Cookers

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products’ Commercial Hot Food Holding Cabinets

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products’ Commercial Solid Door Refrigerators & 

Freezers

(EXIT>) 

Consortium For Energy Efficiency’s Commercial Programs: Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers

Consortium For Energy Efficiency’s Commercial Programs: Commercial Ice-makers

Food Service Technology Center’s Commercial Kitchen Appliance Technology Assessment Web page

Food Service Technology Center’s Design Guides

18 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

LARGER OPPORTUNITIES: HEATING, COOLING & VENTILATING

Proper heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (known in the trade as HVAC) are key to maintaining a 

comfortable, and healthy environment. Improved heating and cooling performance along with substantial energy 

savings can be achieved by implementing energy-efficiency measures. 

Whether you wish to improve the efficiency of your existing heating and cooling systems or are considering 

upgrading to a new system, the information on this page will help you to make informed decisions! 

` Cooling and Heating Load Reduction 

` Heating and Cooling Systems 

` Control Systems 

` Maintenance 

Cooling and Heating Load Reduction 

One of the first steps you should consider in your congregational facility before upgrading your heating and 

cooling system is to reduce your load (i.e. how much heating and cooling you actually use). Reducing your 

facility’s load allows existing systems to operate less frequently and newer systems to be designed smaller, 

thereby lowering operating costs. Common load reduction strategies include: 

` “Tightening” your building shell and adding additional insulation (EXIT>) to reduce leakage. 

` Installing energy-efficient windows (EXIT>) such as ENERGY STAR qualified windows. 

` Upgrading lighting systems, energy-efficient lighting systems emit less heat into conditioned space than 

older inefficient technology. 

` Reducing solar gain (e.g., cool roofing and window tints) in cooling dominated climates, and in cold climates 

taking steps to increase solar gain. 

` Selecting efficient office equipment and consumer electronics to reduce heat output. 

` Controlling ventilation to improve occupant comfort and save energy. 

Once you have addressed these areas, you can then make the most of your heating and cooling equipment 

dollars. 

Heating and Cooling Systems 

Heating and cooling systems are critical to most buildings, but also represent a large 

component of many facilities’ utility expenses. Cooling systems, in particular, are 

typically very energy intensive and are almost always fueled by electricity. Their 

operation typically coincides with periods that are subject to peak and time of use 

charges. 

Heating and cooling systems have advanced significantly in design and efficiency. For 

example, today's air conditioners use less energy to produce the same amount of 

cooling as older air conditioners. Even if your air conditioner is relatively new, you can 

still save on your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a more efficient model. 

For congregational facilities, request an 

ACCA Manual N evaluation of your facility’s 

heating and cooling loads before purchasing 

any major heating or cooling system. By 

following these guidelines you will receive a 

system that is sized appropriately for your 

facility. 

Heating and Cooling System Tips: Project Suggestion 

` Consider implementing efforts to reduce heating and cooling load 

before selecting equipment. 

` NEVER OVERSIZE! Avoid over sizing equipment at all costs. Over 

sizing equipment increases the capital cost at the time of the 

installation and the costs of operation of the equipment. Request that 

your HVAC professional conduct an Air Conditioning Contractors of 

America’s (ACCA) (EXIT>) Manual N Commercial Load Calculation 

to ensure proper sizing. 

19 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

` When selecting a new cooling system, have your HVAC professional provide you a quote and specifications 

for a standard-efficiency and high-efficiency unit including lifecycle costs. If the lifecycle cost is less on the 

high-efficiency unit, purchase it. 

` When purchasing Room Air Conditioners, or Light Commercial heating and cooling units select those units 

that are ENERGY STAR qualified. 

` Consider energy recovery ventilation systems (EXIT>) to reclaim waste energy from the exhaust air stream 

and use it to condition the incoming fresh air. 

` In humid climates, consult your HVAC professional about supplemental dehumidification. By controlling 

humidity at your facility, you can increase occupant comfort and allow for further downsizing of equipment. 

` Consider specifying economizers. Often available at a low incremental cost, these units draw in fresh air 

from the outside when the temperature outside is lower than the temperature inside. 

` Install programmable thermostats and use automated settings to achieve savings. 

` At a minimum, specify National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA (EXIT>) premium motors on 

HVAC equipment, and consider specifying variable speed drives (VSD) on condenser and evaporator fans. 

` In dry climates, consider evaporative coolers. These coolers use the evaporation of water to cool spaces, 

eliminating the need for energy intensive compressors. 

` For areas such as the sanctuary space, and facilities with warehouses and garages, consider installing 

radiant heating (EXIT>). Radiant heating warms objects instead of the air, and requires less fuel. Radiant 

heat is also useful for warming exterior areas that require heating, such as patios and waiting areas. 

` Many buildings are impacted by what goes on inside the building just as much as (and sometimes even 

more than) the weather conditions outside. That is why it is important to properly size equipment and 

consider the use of a demand controlled ventilation system (EXIT>) coupled with economizers to meet the 

internal loads of the building, e.g., kitchens, etc. 

Heating and Cooling System Energy-Efficiency Resources 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Products’ Heat & Cool Efficiently Web page

EPA’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Resources

(EXIT>)

DOE EERE’s Consumer’s Guide Space Heating and Cooling Web page

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 

Air Conditioning Contractors of America Resources

FEMP’s Energy-Efficient Products: How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Commercial Unitary Air Conditioner 

Consortium for Energy Efficiency’s High-Efficiency Commercial Air Conditioning & Heat Pumps 

Flex Your Power’s HVAC Systems. Flex Your Power’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) 

Systems 

Control Systems 

A great way to improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems is to incorporate 

control strategies that ensure systems are used only when necessary. Common 

control strategies include ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats, 

multiple zones, and CO2 demand sensors. These strategies can be specified on new 

heating and cooling systems and retrofitted to older systems as well. 

` ENERGY STAR Qualified Programmable Thermostats: These simple, easy to 

install thermostats allow convenient night/weekend setback to save money. 

Models range from $50 to $200 depending on the desired features and usually 

include manual overrides to ensure comfort for late night workers. 

20 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

` Multiple Zones: By dividing your facility up into multiple heating 

and cooling zones, your system can deliver more efficient heating 

and cooling by eliminating inaccuracies from a central sensor 

point. In addition, building occupants in different areas can adjust 

the temperature to meet their actual needs. If your facility has 

many rooms or floors, multiple zones are recommended. 

21 December 2007 

` Demand or CO2 Sensors: Most heating and cooling systems 

draw in ventilation air by assumed occupancy, however modern 

technology has sidestepped this by designing systems that 

actually can regulate the air quality of your facility by measuring 

the amount of CO2 present. The result is more energy-efficient 

operation and better air-quality. 

Maintenance 

Just like your automobile, your facility’s heating and cooling systems need maintenance to operate efficiently. To 

improve efficiency and help ensure reliability and long life, consider the following tips. 

` Engage a qualified HVAC firm in a maintenance contract with seasonal tune-ups. During these tune-ups, a 

technician should check combustion efficiency, refrigerant charge, and belt tension as applicable. 

` Replace air filters regularly. Accumulated dirt and dust make your fans work harder and reduce airflow. 

Clean or replace filters as recommended by your system’s manufacturer. 

` Clean the evaporator and condenser coils on your heat pump, air-conditioner, or chiller. Dirty coils inhibit 

heat transfer; by keeping them clean, you save energy. 

` Inspect ducts and piping for leakage or damaged insulation. Leaky ductwork is one of the biggest 

contributors to cooling loss in buildings. Apply duct sealer, tape, and insulation as needed. 

` Repair old valves and steam traps. These can waste hundreds of dollars and are low cost parts. 

To learn more about maintaining your heating and cooling system visit ENERGY STAR’s Heating & Cooling 

“Maintenance Checklist” and “Duct Sealing” information and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s 

Preventive Maintenance = $avings (EXIT>) Web page. 

LARGER OPPORTUNITIES: OFFICE EQUIPMENT & APPLIANCES

When congregational facility 

owners/operators think of energy 

consumption, they naturally focus on b

operations (such as lighting and airconditioning) and its shell components, but 

not necessarily on the energy consuming 

office equipment and appliances contained 

within. 

uilding 

Did You Know? 

The energy consumption of an average 

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor is twothirds of that for an average Cathode Ray 

Tube (CRT) monitor 

HVAC Success! 

The Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Berlin, PA 

recently replaced their 40 year old, large, 

inefficient heating system with three smaller 

efficient heating units. This allows them to turn 

on only what is needed at the time instead of 

firing up a large heating unit to heat small areas 

of the church or add just a little heat on those 

days when there is a slight chill in the air. They 

estimate that this will reduce their heating bill 

by as much as 50%. 

Office Equipment 

Over the years, as the amount of office equipment found in congregational facilities 

has increased, the amount of energy consumed, by that equipment, as also 

increased. Inefficient office equipment not only draws power, but also emits heat that 

can contribute to higher cooling bills. Fortunately, to address this issue there are a 

variety of ENERGY STAR qualified products that can help you save energy and 

money, money that can be used for other functions important to your congregation. If 

you are replacing or purchasing equipment such as computers, monitors, and copiers 

always consider ENERGY STAR qualified products. 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

Other office equipment savings opportunities include: 

` Turning office equipment off at night. 

` Checking to see if your computer already has power management software installed. If so, activate it. 

` Printing double sided per page; much more energy is used in the manufacturing and distributing of paper

than the actual printing at your office. 

Find out more information about ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment. 

To download FREE Power Management Software for your non-ENERGY STAR qualified computer visit 

ENERGY STAR’s Power Management Software. 

To learn more about office equipment energy efficiency visit: 

(EXIT>)

Pacific Energy Center’s “Energy-Efficient Office Equipment” Fact Sheet (PDF)

Advanced Buildings Technologies & Practices’ Energy Efficient Office Equipment

Appliances 

Many congregational facilities have a variety of appliances such as refrigerators and 

dishwashers. These appliances, just like the ones in your home, can be purchased in 

models that are more energy efficient. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate 

advanced technologies that use 10% to 50% less energy and water than standard models. 

In addition, there are many energy-efficiency opportunities to help you reduce the energy 

consumption of these appliances. 

` For refrigerators, water coolers, and freezers maintain an air-gap of at least 3 inches between the back of 

the appliance and the wall. Also, try cleaning condenser coils (or the back of the appliance) regularly. 

` Check door seals for signs of cracking or hardening, if you can easily pull a dollar bill out from between the 

seal and frame on a closed door replace the seal. 

` Use dishwashers only when full to conserve energy, water, and detergent. 

` Use timers to ensure that coffee maker heating elements are not operating in off hours. 

To learn more about appliance energy efficiency visit: 

ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances

(EXIT>)

Consortium for Energy Efficiency

Federal Trade Commission’s How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Home Appliance Fact Sheet

California Energy Commission’s Database of Energy Efficient Appliances

22 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

23 December 2007 

SANCTUARY/WORSHIP SPACE

For spiritual and personal reasons, the sanctuary space is very important to congregational members. With this 

in mind, a sanctuary space is 

typically designed to provide a 

tranquil environment for worshipers 

and their families. And, an important 

part of creating this environment of 

“comfort and aesthetics” is through 

the optimal use of energy. 

 

Congregational buildings have 

unique needs because their energyuse patterns are often very different 

from other buildings. Residential 

and/or commercial buildings require 

relatively constant energy but 

congregation energy use tends to 

peak on weekends and lessen during the rest of the week with occasional spikes for special meetings and other 

functions. A large portion of a congregation’s energy costs goes toward keeping the facility comfortable during 

the days when the facility is being used. This includes lighting, heating/cooling rooms and controlling humidity 

levels. Most congregations use the entirety of their facilities only a few days a week, so a congregation that 

understands this nuance will be better equipped to design or upgrade their facility to reach optimal energy 

efficiency. 

SANCTUARY SPACE – A CLOSER LOOK AT OPPORTUNITIES

Simple Strategies 

` Consider installing carpets and cushions (on pews) to provide comfort and warmth on those cold, wintry 

days. 

` Schedule special events (such as choir practice, arranging flowers/decorations) and cleaning duties on the 

days just prior and after major services, so that the building is warmed/cooled on consecutive days. 

` Take advantage of natural light. Windows, Sun Tubes and/or skylights will allow sunlight to fill the 

sanctuary/worship space with natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. 

` Many facilities have a direct entrance to the sanctuary/worship space from outside. Properly sealed doors 

can prevent heat loss. If, due to aesthetics or history, it is not practical to install modern, energy-efficient 

doors, use weatherstripping to seal the doors against drafts and energy loss. Weatherstripping and caulking 

are two effective techniques that seal up areas in your building where air may be leaking. 

 Weatherstripping is done around movable structures such as windows and doors. 

 Caulking is done in stable, non-moving areas such as cracks in the wall, around electrical openings, 

where the floor meets the wall, etc. 

` Many sanctuary/worship spaces have high ceilings, which can make creating a 

more comfortable environment more difficult. In the winter, the warm air from your 

heating system will rise. This causes your system to work harder to keep the lower 

areas at a comfortable temperature. Proper air circulation can reduce energy use 

by drawing the warmer air from the ceiling and pushing it back to the floor. Ceiling 

fans can be a good way to accomplish this goal. Ceiling fans can actually help with 

both cooling and heating. By keeping the air circulating, they can help prevent hot 

and cold spots as well as keeping the air fresh. 

` Installing controls for heating and cooling is a key to reducing energy waste. Replacing existing thermostats 

with programmable thermostats will allow for a more comfortable environment and reduce energy use. New 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

network thermostats allow for even better “zone” control and energy savings. See the Heating, Cooling & 

Ventilating section of this Guide for more information. 

 Concerns about night set back and its effect on the pipe organ? The Associated Pipe Organ 

Builders of America say that temperatures as low as 45 degrees F will not cause damage to the organ. 

So normal setback ranges ~ 55F to 60F should not be an issue. 

Larger Opportunities 

` Think about demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) -congregations 

have constant swings in occupancy and can save energy by 

decreasing the amount of outdoor ventilation supplied by the 

HVAC system during low-occupancy hours. A DCV system senses 

the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the return air stream and 

provides ventilation accordingly. 

24 December 2007 

` For new facilities, consider taking advantage of advancements in 

stain glass window technology. Today low-E insulated glass and 

thermally improved frames are available for many stained glass 

applications. 

 For existing windows, consider installing clear glass/plastic storm windows outside the stained glass to 

add an extra layer of protection against energy loss. However, without proper ventilation, this 

technique may cause damage by trapping moisture and damaging the lead. Talk with a window 

professional to see if this is a concern at your congregation. 

Sanctuary Lighting 

Lighting plays a critical role in defining the look and feel associated 

with the tranquil environments of a sanctuary. Lighting is not only 

necessary for viewing and reading but it also provides architectural 

accents and a feeling of warmth throughout the space. Traditionally 

these lighting needs were met with incandescent lamps because of 

their low first cost, warm color and dimming capabilities. Today, new 

energy-efficient CFL’s provide similar quality to incandescents (offering 

warmer colors with dimming technology) at affordable prices. Consider 

CFL’s for your recessed cans, pendant fixtures, and accent and spot 

lighting applications. We recommend consulting a lighting professional 

to ensure that your lighting system meets both the energy-efficient and aesthetic needs of your congregation. 

Project Suggestion 

There may be unique ways to adapt energyefficient technologies for use in your 

congregational facility. For instance, a 

synagogue in Bethesda, Maryland converted 

the Eternal Light (Ner Tamid) to solar power 

and connected it directly to a photovoltaic 

cell on the roof. 

Did You Know? 

Energy savings can be optimized (especially 

cost effective in new facilities) when 

congregations utilize energy management 

systems that control when and where 

lighting, heating/cooling and fresh air go to 

various parts of the facility. 

` Lighting Controls -With effective controls, lighting can be used more efficiently. Many sanctuary spaces have 

limited options in the use of their lighting system. Better controls will allow more flexibility, create a more 

comfortable environment for your members, and reduce energy waste by allowing the use of ONLY those 

lights that are needed. Consider the following control techniques: 

 Bi-Level switching 

 Daylight Dimmers/Photo cells 

 Occupancy sensors 

See the “Lighting” section of this Guide for more information.
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

25 December 2007 

CALCULATE SAVINGS

Assess Your Savings Potential 

You can't see energy, so it can be difficult to visualize the potential savings lying undiscovered in your facility. 

However, you can see and easily understand those utility bills you receive each month. Visualize your energy 

bill being lower by 25 to 30 percent, or even more. Visualize your potential energy savings as financial 

resources that could go to worthwhile programs instead of to your local utility. 

Financial Analysis 

It always pays to do your homework before investing in energy-efficient equipment such as ENERGY STAR 

qualified products. What products and equipment really work? How much will it cost to install? Where do you 

find the money? How quickly will you recover your investment? There are many resources to help you get the 

answers that will work for your congregation. 

Saving with ENERGY STAR 

ENERGY STAR qualified products are equal to or better than standard products of the same type, however they 

use less energy. Since they use less energy, ENERGY STAR qualified products save you money on your utility 

bills while helping to protect the environment by causing fewer harmful greenhouse gas emissions. 

Indirect Benefits 

When you invest in energy efficiency, the benefits go far beyond saving energy and money, and protecting the 

environment by helping prevent pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

CALCULATE: ASSESS YOUR SAVINGS POTENTIAL! 

You can't see energy, so it can be difficult to visualize the potential savings lying undiscovered in your facility. 

However, you can see and easily understand those utility bills you receive each month. Visualize your energy 

bill being lower by 25 to 30 percent, or even more. Visualize your potential energy savings as financial 

resources that could go to worthwhile programs instead of to your local utility. 

Clearly managing energy use makes good financial sense as well as helping the environment, but remember, 

“you can’t manage what you can’t measure.” Your facility’s energy use for lighting, heating, cooling, office 

equipment and other systems can be easily identified, measured and analyzed. The result is a new and 

interesting look at your facility – where simple identification and measurement techniques provide the first steps 

toward eliminating waste and saving money. You can begin the process today by pulling out your utility bill file 

and looking at what you are paying each month and each year for energy with the knowledge that you can 

reduce energy waste and reclaim much of the money 

you are paying out for energy. 

ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager provides a 

platform to track energy and water use trends as 

compared with the costs of these resources. It helps 

you streamline your portfolio’s energy and water 

data, and track key consumption, performance, and 

cost information portfolio-wide.

Other resources to identify how your energy use 

compares to that of similar type facilities. 

ENERGY STAR’s Energy-Intensive Calculator

Your peak electricity use usually occurs 

during a time of day when rates are at their 

highest. If you are charged a “demand rate” 

on your electric bill, you pay a fee based on 

your peak amount of electricity 

consumption. Lowering your peak rate of 

usage can save big! 

Did You Know? Lawrence Berkley National Laboratories’ ARCH: A Building Energy 

Reference Tool (EXIT>)

DOE’s Building Technologies Program’s Building Energy Software 

Tools Directory (EXIT>)

Assess your facility and discover energy-efficient upgrade 

opportunities. 

DOE’s Energy-Efficiency Products: Energy Cost Calculators

(EXIT>)

Alliant Energy’s Energy Efficiency Calculators (EXIT>) 

ENERGYguide’s Online Analysis Tools (EXIT>)

26 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

CALCULATE: FINANCIAL ANALYSIS 

Turning Energy Into Savings 

It always pays to do your homework before investing in energy-efficient 

equipment such as ENERGY STAR qualified products. What products 

and equipment really work? How much will it cost to install? Where do 

you find the money? How quickly will you recover your investment? 

There are many resources to help you get the answers that will work for 

your congregation. 

Bill comparison provides you with a 

technique to quantify your savings after 

implementation of energy-efficient 

measures. 

Did You Know? 

Analysis - Tools and Resources 

ENERGY STAR’s Resources: Finance, Products & Services

NativeEnergy’s Carbon Footprint Calculator

Incentives, Rebates and Other Resources 

(EXIT>) 

National Association of State Energy Officials’ “State and Territory Energy Offices” Web page

Alliance to Save Energy’s Financing Energy Efficiency

Local Government Commission’s Funding Opportunities

DSIRE Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

Another consideration in funding energy-efficiency upgrades is the price of the equipment. Why pay more than 

you must for efficient products and equipment? Perhaps your congregational organization or association would 

sponsor a group purchase in which you and other facilities pool your buying power for volume discounts. Read 

more about this strategy to stretch your investment capital in ENERGY STAR’s Group Purchasing Fact Sheet

(PDF) 

The two most common financial evaluation tools are 

simple payback and internal rate of return (IRR). 

Cooling Lighting Heating

Old Cost

Estimated New Cost

` Simple Payback: The number of years it takes to 

recover the cost of the upgrade from the savings. 

` Internal Rate of Return: Compares the financial 

results of an upgrade against other investments. 

Learn more about financial indicators in ENERGY 

STAR’s Buildings Upgrade Manual’s Financing Section. 

(PDF)

27 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

CALCULATE: SAVING WITH ENERGY STAR 

ENERGY STAR qualified products are equal to or better than standard products of the same type, but the good 

news is they use less energy! And since they use less energy, ENERGY STAR qualified products save you 

money on your utility bills while helping to protect the environment by causing fewer harmful greenhouse gas 

emissions. The following link provides access to calculators of various types of ENERGY STAR qualified 

products. These calculators estimate the annual dollar and energy savings you can expect by installing an 

ENERGY STAR qualified version. 

ENERGY STAR Savings Calculators 

CALCULATE: INDIRECT BENEFITS 

Make a Good Building Even Better! Saving More Than You Know 

When you invest in energy efficiency, the benefits go far 

beyond saving energy and money, and protecting the 

environment by helping prevent pollution and g

gas emissions. 

reenhouse 

` Potential to Improve Productivity: Enhanced 

comfort and improved lighting conditions may 

contribute to improvements in productivity. 

` Reduced Operations and Maintenance Costs: 

Many energy-efficient technologies significantly 

decrease your operations and maintenance 

requirements, saving not only money but also time. 

` Increased Appearance and Comfort: Building 

upgrades can help improve your facility’s look, 

increase its comfort, and help staff, members and 

visitors enjoy their time spent there. 

` Enhanced Public Image: Your contribution to environmental protection very positively differentiates your 

congregation from others. 

28 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

29 December 2007 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION

Green Power & Renewable Energy

After addressing energy-efficiency opportunities available in your facility, you may also want to consider 

renewable energy and green power. Renewable energy refers to electricity supplied from energy sources, such 

as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. These energy sources are considered renewable sources 

because they are continuously replenished. 

Air Pollution 

Employing energy-efficient technology such as ENERGY STAR qualified products can help reduce emissions 

(air pollution) from power plants that produce energy. Carbon dioxide emission is a primary cause of global 

climate change, sulfur dioxide is a key component of acid rain, and nitrogen oxide is responsible for smog. 

New Building Design 

The intent of energy-efficient design for new construction and/or remodeling is to utilize efficient equipment while 

optimizing the use of natural energy sources. The ultimate goal is to provide increased comfort with reductions 

in energy costs and greenhouse gas pollution. 

Paper 

You may not think of your congregational facility’s paper use as an area to save energy, but it is. Paper 

manufacturers in the U.S. consume a significant amount of energy each year in the production of paper – not to 

mention the energy spent harvesting and shipping trees, and shipping paper products to your facility. There are 

some simple steps you can follow to optimize your use of this valuable resource that will save money, reduce 

waste, protect our nation’s forests and reduce energy consumption! 

Recycling 

It does not matter what type of facility you have or run – there is some amount of material you use that can be 

recycled. From aluminum cans, and glass and plastic bottles, to paper and printer toner cartridges, recycling 

reduces the amount of waste materials that are put in landfills or incinerated while decreasing greenhouse gas 

emissions and deforestation. That’s good for everybody! Ask your building management or waste handler about 

recycling opportunities. 

Water 

You may wonder what water use and saving energy have to do with each other? In most cases, electricity or 

gas is used to heat water, and this costs you money. In addition, your water company uses energy to purify and 

pump water to your facility as well as in the treatment of your sewage. So part of your water and sewage bill is 

really an energy bill. The more water your facility consumes, the more you will benefit from optimizing water use. 

Mega-Churches 

A movement that began in the 1950s and has grown more widespread over the years is the mega-church. 

Mega-churches are large churches that have 2,000 or more worshippers for a typical service. These churches 

have large structures and parking lots that are able to accommodate the huge numbers of worshipers they 

attract. Many mega-church facilities are more akin to a theater or arena, with high-tech lighting, sound and video 

systems. In addition to a sanctuary/worship space, mega-church facilities can contain other space types such as 

retail, restaurant or office. 

Learn More 

Additional resources are available to find out more information on energy technologies. 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: RENEWABLE ENERGY AND GREEN POWER 

After addressing energy-efficiency opportunities available in your facility, you 

may also want to consider renewable energy and green power. Renewable 

energy refers to electricity supplied from energy sources, such as wind, solar, 

geothermal, hydro, and biomass. These energy sources are considered 

renewable sources because they are continuously replenished. 

Electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources is often referred to 

as “green power.” Green power products can include electricity generated 

exclusively from renewable resources or, more frequently, electricity produced from a combination of fossil and 

renewable resources. 

If you are interested in installing renewable energy equipment in your facility, incentives may be available in your 

state to “buy down” the cost. To learn more about incentives visit the “Finding Funds” section of this guide. 

Of course, not every facility can install renewable energy technology. 

Fortunately you can buy green power for your facility directly from many 

utilities at a slightly higher cost than regular electricity. If your utility does not 

offer green power options you can still participate by purchasing renewable 

energy certificates. Renewable energy certificates (or green tags) document 

the purchase of renewable energy. 

Check out the following links for additional information on renewable 

energy and green power: 

EPA’s Clean Energy Web site

EPA’s Green Power Partnership

(EXIT>) 

DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Office 

Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Learning About Renewable Energy 

Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Small Wind Energy

DOE’s EERE’s The Green Power Network

DSIRE Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

30 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: AIR POLLUTION

Pollution Prevented Through Energy Savings 

Employing energy-efficient technology such as ENERGY STAR qualified products can 

help reduce emissions (air pollution) from power plants that produce energy. Carbon 

dioxide emission is a primary cause of global climate change, sulfur dioxide is a key 

component of acid rain, and nitrogen oxide is responsible for smog. 

Making your facility more energy efficient means you will use less energy and save 

money, while helping the environment at the same time! Since utilities will not need to 

generate as much electricity, they won’t burn as 

much fossil fuel, which means they are 

releasing less pollution into the atmosphere. To 

find out more about estimating how much 

money you can save by reducing your facility’s 

energy use, please visit the “Calculate” section 

of this guide. 

For each kilowatt-hour (kWh) that you save 

through the application of energy-efficient 

technologies, you are reducing the emissions 

of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and 

nitrogen oxides. 

Did You Know? 

Air Pollution links: 

EPA’s Air Pollution Web Page

(EXIT>) 

AIRNow

DOE’s Clean Air, Soil, & Water Web Page

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Air Pollution & Respiratory Health

Michigan Interfaith Power and Light (MiIPL) is an example of pollution prevention through energy savings. MiIPL 

is a coalition of congregations and their partners across the State of Michigan whose mission is to "involve 

communities of faith as stewards of God's creation by promoting and implementing energy efficiency, renewable 

energy and related sustainable practices". To see a breakdown of the total emissions reductions to date that 

MiIPL has achieved through energy saving measures visit www.miipl.org. 

Source: MiIPL Web site 

31 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: NEW BUILDING DESIGN

Design & Construction Projects

The intent of energy-efficient design for new construction and/or remodeling is to utilize efficient equipment while 

optimizing the use of natural energy sources. The ultimate goal is to provide increased comfort with reductions 

in energy costs and greenhouse gas pollution. 

Energy-efficient design and construction does not need to cost any more than standard design – so get started 

and realize significant energy and cost savings for your facility. Let ENERGY STAR’s Building Design Guidance

help you manage the design and construction process right from the start! 

Get energy code advice from DOE’s Building Energy Codes Program. (EXIT>)

Energy-Efficiency Design and Construction Resources 

(EXIT>) 

Energy Design Resources

Whole Building Design Guide’s Building Types

DOE’s Design, Construct & Renovate 

ENVIRON Design Collaborative’s Solar & Energy Efficient Design 

Sustainable and Green Building Guidance 

Building Green 

(EXIT>) 

Building Green’s Making the Case for Green Building 

California Integrated Waste Management Board’s

Green Building Design and Construction 

Sustainable Buildings Industry Council

U.S. Green Building Council

California Interfaith Power and Light

The Regeneration Project

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: PAPER

You may not think of your congregational facility’s paper use as an area to save 

energy, but it is. Paper manufacturers in the U.S. consume a significant amount of 

energy each year in the production of paper – not to mention the energy spent 

harvesting and shipping trees, and shipping paper products to your facilty. There are 

some simple steps you can follow to optimize your use of this valuable resource that 

will save money, reduce waste, protect our nation’s forests and reduce energy 

consumption! 

` Use double-sided printing and copying. 

` Distribute documents electronically instead of in hard copy when feasible. 

` Select paper products with a high-recycled content. 

` Recycle as much of the paper products you use as possible. 

Check out the following links for additional information: 

EPA’s WasteWise

Paper Industry Association Council paperrecycles.org’s Recycling: It Starts With You

(EXIT>)

32 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: RECYCLING

It does not matter what type of facility you have or run – there is some amount of material you 

use that can be recycled. From aluminum cans, and glass and plastic bottles, to paper and 

printer toner cartridges, recycling reduces the amount of waste materials that are put in landfills 

or incinerated while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and 

deforestation. That’s good for everybody! Ask your building 

management or waste handler about recycling opportunities. 

Check out the following links for additional information: 

EPA’s “Recycling” Web page

EPA’s “Recycling/Pollution Prevention” Web page

EPA’s “WasteWise” Web site

Technology Specific Recycling 

During your upgrade projects, and normal maintenance, you will likely have to deal with lighting and electronic 

waste. The disposal of some of this waste may be regulated, since both electronic and lighting waste may 

contain potentially harmful substances, and these products may need to be separated from your other garbage. 

The best way to dispose of this waste is to recycle it. 

To learn more about the recycling and disposal of lighting and electronic waste visit: 

EPA’s Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Disposal Requirements for Fluorescent Light Ballasts Fact Sheet

(PDF) (EXIT>)

EPA’s Electronics: A New Opportunity for Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling Fact Sheet (PDF)

National Park Service’s Envirofacts: Lighting Waste Management Fact Sheet (PDF) (EXIT>) 

National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s Lamp Recycle.org Web site (EXIT>)

33 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: WATER

 You may wonder what water 

use and saving energy have to 

do with each other? In most 

cases, electricity or gas is used 

to heat water, and this costs you 

money. In addition, your water 

company uses energy to purify 

and pump water to your facility 

as well as in the treatment of your sewage. So part of your water and 

sewage bill is really an energy bill. The more water your facility 

consumes, the more you will benefit from optimizing water use. Some 

ways to save related to the water you use are: 

Repairing a seal that is leaking water can 

save money and hundreds of gallons of 

water per year – and if it’s a hot water 

leak, you can save even more money! 

Did You Know? 

` Repair leaking pipes, fixtures and seals. 

` Install water-efficient appliances where applicable. 

` Install efficient showerheads (EXIT>) and faucets. (EXIT>)

` Install controls that turn faucets off automatically. 

` Put in high-efficiency toilets and urinals. (EXIT>)

` Depending on the function of your facility, use horizontal axis washing machines. 

` Practice green landscaping (greenscaping or xeriscaping) to preserve natural resources and prevent waste 

and pollution. If local code allows, consider diverting “gray water” (PDF) for irrigation rather than using fresh 

water. 

` Install an insulation blanket on water heaters seven years of age or older, and insulate the first 3 feet of the 

heated water “out” pipe from your water heater. 

` Install an energy-efficient electric (EXIT>) or gas (EXIT>) water heater. 

` In areas of infrequent water use, consider “tankless” water heaters to reduce “standby” storage costs and 

waste. 

Check out the following links for additional information: 

EPA’s “WaterSense: Efficiency Made Easy” Web page

“Water Wiser – The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse” Web site

“Water Efficiency Manual for Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Facilities” (PDF) 

Colorado Springs Utilities’ “Xeriscape” Web page

34 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: MEGA-CHURCHES

A movement that began in the 1950s and has grown more 

widespread over the years is the mega-church. Megachurches are large churches that have 2,000 or more 

worshippers for a typical service. These churches have 

large structures and parking lots that are able to 

accommodate the huge numbers of worshipers they 

attract. Many mega-church facilities are more akin to a 

theater or arena, with high-tech lighting, sound and video 

systems. In addition to a sanctuary/worship space, megachurch facilities can contain other space types such as 

retail, restaurant or office. 

35 December 2007 

Because of their size and/or use of multiple facilities, 

mega-churches offer unique challenges with regards to 

energy efficiency when compared to a regular 

congregational facility. It is still important to use energyefficient products and equipment whenever possible. However, the proper controlling of those energy-efficient 

products and equipment is going to be crucial in saving energy. 

The two systems that are most important to focus on with regards to controlling are the lighting and HVAC

systems. These systems account for a large portion of the energy used in a facility and can be a prime area for 

energy-efficiency upgrades. 

Lighting 

There are lighting controls beyond the basic light switch that give you 

better flexibility in lighting usage and can save energy. Examples of these 

controls are occupancy sensors, dimmers, and daylight sensors. 

Zones: lights are switched on corresponding to the use and layout of the lit 

areas, in order to avoid lighting a large area if only a small part of it needs 

light. 

Time control: to switch on and off automatically in each zone to a preset 

schedule for light use. 

Passive Infra-Red (PIR) Occupancy sensing: in areas that are occupied 

intermittently, occupancy sensors can be used to indicate whether or not anybody is present and switch the light 

on or off accordingly. 

Light level monitoring: this consists of switching or dimming artificial lighting to maintain a light level measured 

by a photocell 

Bi-level switching: a strategy that allows for better control of individual rooms/spaces. For example, specified 

areas are provided with two wall switches near the doorway to control the lights. In a 

typical installation, one switch would control 1/3 of the fluorescent lamps in the ceiling 

lighting system, while the other switch would control the remaining 2/3 of the lamps. This 

allows four possible light levels: OFF, 1/3, 2/3 and FULL lighting. 

More information is available on these controls under “Lighting Controls” in the “Lighting”

section of this Guide. 

HVAC 

To improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems in your congregational facility there are control 

strategies that you can incorporate that will run these systems only when necessary. Common control strategies 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

include ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats, multiple zones, and CO2 demand sensors for 

ventilation control. More information is available on these control strategies under “Control Systems” in the 

“HVAC” section of this Guide. 

Energy Management Systems (EMS) 

Computerized management of lights, heating, cooling, and other 

systems can be worthwhile for larger facilities like mega-churches. 

Energy management systems are computer-based tools that allow you 

to monitor, track, analyze, control, and optimize the performance of 

systems in one facility or for multiple locations and help reduce your 

energy consumption. This can even be done remotely from a computer 

that is not onsite. By combining EMS with the proper energy-efficient 

equipment, your facility can be on the road to saving energy, reducing 

pollution, and saving financial resources. 

Congregational facilities might consider 

installing network thermostat systems, not 

only because of their simplicity and power, 

but also because they are affordable and 

allow for the system to expand as budget, 

time and the size of the facilities grow. With 

these systems you can control and monitor a 

single thermostat, or an entire building or 

multiple-building site using a personal 

computer. 

Project Suggestion 

Simple identification and measurement techniques can be the first step 

toward eliminating waste and saving money. For example, you may 

discover that your peak electricity use occurs during a time of year 

when rates are at their highest. Using energy mapping tools can help 

identify issues like these and allow you to take action toward savings. 

Utility Bills too High? 

Mega-churches are large enough that they may be susceptible to high demand charges from their electric 

utilities. In order to minimize this cost consider Demand Response Controls. 

Digital demand controllers (DDCs) are small, relatively inexpensive energy-management devices that can 

simultaneously control the operation of a large number of equipment items, preventing all or most of them from 

operating simultaneously. The objective is to avoid the creation of power-demand “spikes” (i.e., short periods 

when power demand is unusually high), which often leads to high monthly demand charges. 

The operation of some electrical loads in a facility (such as internal lighting) cannot be interrupted without 

causing a disruption. But many others – typically those that have some thermal-energy storage associated with 

them, such as water heating, air-conditioning, electric space-heating units, or refrigeration equipment – can be 

interrupted for periods of 10 to 30 minutes without occupants being aware of the interruption. These are the 

loads selected for peak-demand-limiting controls via a DDC. 

DDC units can also be used to reduce electrical demand during periods when the utility grid is challenged and in 

danger of overloading, or when electricity prices are unusually high. Many utilities offer financial incentives to 

customers who install DDC units or other equipment that enable the utility to reduce the customer’s load at 

these times. 

36 December 2007 
ENERGY STAR® Putting Energy Into Stewardship: Congregations Guide 

37 December 2007 

GREEN YOUR CONGREGATION: LEARN MORE! 

For more information on energy technologies contact: 

` Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): www.acca.org

` American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC): www.acec.org

` American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): www.ashrae.org

` American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): www.asme.org

` American Solar Energy Society (ASES): www.ases.org

` Association of Energy Engineers (AEE): www.aeecenter.org

` Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP): www.aesp.org

` Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST): 

www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/el/research/crest/links.html

` Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life: www.coejl.org

` DOE’s EERE’s A Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/ 

` Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI): www.epri.com

` Episcopal Power and Light: www.theregenerationproject.org 

` Evangelical Environmental Network: creationcare.org 

` Forum on Religion and Ecology (FORE): environment.harvard.edu/religion/information/index.html 

` Interfaith Coalition on Energy (ICE): www.interfaithenergy.com 

` International Dark-Sky Association (IDA): www.darksky.org 

` Islam and Ecology: www.crosscurrents.org/islamecology.htm 

` Lighting Research Center: www.lrc.rpi.edu 

` National Association of Energy Services Companies (NAESCO): www.naesco.org 

` National Council of Churches: www.ncccusa.org 

` National Religious Partnership for the Environment: www.nrpe.org 

` National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): www.nspe.org 

` United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): www.nccbuscc.org