Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation Receives GIPL Grant

GIPL Board Member, Jim Hartzfeld, presents award check to Haylee Meyers and Nick White. 

Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Marietta was awarded a GIPL Power Wise Energy Efficiency Matching Grant to help implement energy efficiency practices in their congregation. After receiving an energy audit through GIPL last year, Emerson UU determined that replacing their fluorescent bulbs with four foot lamp LED retrofits would significantly reduce electricity usage and costs, as well as their carbon footprint. Emerson UU received $5,000 for this project.Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church is already actively engaged in Creation care and energy efficiency work. Their Environmental Task Force works across the church, addressing environmental issues in finance, faith, worship, risk management, property management, and more. While educating congregants on Climate Change and personal carbon footprints, the team hopes to eventually work on environmental legislation. Emerson UU also supports conservations efforts in their local environment by partnering with Garden School, adopting a local stream, supporting Chattahoochee River Keeper, and hosting clean-up and planting days! GIPL is impressed by Emerson UU’s vision and continued work to develop a rich and meaningful environmental ethic. One day, this congregation hopes to produce renewable energy and have a facility with a zero carbon footprint!Congratulations to Emerson UU on their matching grant, and their continued efforts to increase their energy efficiency!  We look forward to their continued work with the GIPL community, and hope that their sustainability efforts inspire other faith communities across Georgia to join GIPL’s Power Wise program. The next matching grant application deadline is November 15, 2017. If your congregation has not yet received a GIPL energy audit, visit our website to sign up today!You can read more about the grant in Emerson UU's February publication of Synergist.