SAVE ENERGY, SAVE MONEY, SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT  

 THAT’S A WIN-WIN FOR EVERYONE

The Saint Paul Area Synod’s Care of Creation group had a presentation from EnerChange (www.enerchange.org),an organization which provides nonprofits with FREE energy audits and recommendations.  EnerChange has a 10+-year history of working with houses of worship, schools, healthcare facilities and other nonprofits which saves energy, dollars, and our shared environment.

They are able to provide this FREE service through the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) a collaborative venture of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy as well as Minnesota Utility Ratepayers.  They work currently within the territory of their funders but check with them - - they may be able to find funders and hope to be able to work statewide.

EnerChange has worked with nearly 1100 facilities since 2010, saving nearly $20 million for their clients, and keeping many tons of carbon from the environment. 

Faith communities makes up nearly half of their clients. That has included churches (many Lutheran) as well as temples and mosques.  Lutheran congregations which are home to members of our group on that list include Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and Pilgrim Lutheran.

The FREE process includes analyzing 36 months of energy usage, an on-site walkthrough, recommendations and assistance with rebates and financing options.  Reporting, tracking and updating are important.  EnerChange recommends that you use their service even if you have done an energy audit at your church more than three years ago; there are many changes in possibilities, recommendations, and rebates.

Check their website, www.EnerChange.org,  for more information. (I found a good blog there with great advice for Green Teams, both new and renewed.)