wfn.org | NCCCUSA Gets EPA Grant

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: Wendy McDowell, NCC News, 212-870-2227
Email: news@ncccusa.org; website www.ncccusa.org

10NCC2/3/99   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCC RECEIVES EPA GRANT TO DEVELOP 
"ENERGY STAR CONGREGATIONS"

NEW YORK, Feb. 3 ---- An innovative program encouraging 
congregations to make their church buildings more energy 
efficient has been initiated by the National Council of 
Churches (NCC), thanks to a $50,000 grant from the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency.

 "Energy Star Congregations," a project of the NCC's 
Eco-Justice Working Group, invites local congregations to 
take concrete steps toward making their buildings more 
energy conserving and energy efficient, such as:
  Performing an energy audit of their buildings
  Upgrading their lighting system
  Investing in office equipment that is labeled Energy 
Star by the EPA
  Tuning-up their heating, ventilating and air 
conditioning systems.

 "This program, which will save energy and money for 
congregations, is greatly needed," said the Rev. Richard 
Killmer, NCC Environmental Justice Director.  "It is also in 
keeping with principles of the Christian faith including 
respect for God's creation to support present and future 
generations and compassion for the poor.  Cutting down on 
energy consumption frees up natural and monetary resources 
to support the church's mission."

An initial mailing about the Energy Star Congregations 
program, including a brochure and church bulletin insert, 
will be sent to 15,000 congregations this month. 

Dr. Job Ebenezer, Director of Environmental Stewardship 
and Hunger Education for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 
America and Co-Chair of the NCC's Eco-Justice Working Group, 
reported that a special effort already is underway in Iowa.  
The NCC has contracted with the Center for Energy and 
Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa 
in Dubuque, Iowa, to serve as a national clearinghouse of 
information.  

A toll-free number, 800-288-1346, is based at the 
Center.  Pastors and congregants can call this phoneline to 
receive concrete information about how to perform energy 
audits and how to take steps to be more energy efficient.

With the collaboration of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of America's Northeastern Iowa Synod, the Center has 
provided free energy audits for churches and church-related 
institutions.  So far, 66 audits have been completed.  
Center staff also have begun giving presentations in 
schools, teaching children how to do energy audits of their 
homes and churches.

"Success stories are already evident," Rev. Killmer 
said.  "The church's potential in this area is great."
-end-
 -0-