Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church Receives Matching Grant

Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church in Savannah, headed by Senior Pastor Dr. John R. Wall, received an Energy Improvement Matching Grant through Power Wise for the amount of $3,300. The grant will be matched by the congregation and will be used to selectively upgrade lighting from T-12 fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs to more efficient T-8 lamps. In addition, motion detectors will be installed to turn off lights in areas not being used.

Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church has already accomplished significant energy conservation by adding foam insulation to their attic in March 2010, LED exit signs, programmable thermostats, and new energy efficient HVAC systems for the sanctuary and Liston Hall. The church also has a wealth of creation care initiatives including Christian education programs with a focus on environmental stewardship, Earth Day celebrations, support for a local Boy Scout troop, a preschool program that introduces creation care to toddlers, and an Earth Care Team that has overall responsibility for the physical operations of the church.

Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church was one of eight congregations that were awarded Energy Improvement Matching Grants in June 2010. Each will be discussed in the GIPL blog over the coming weeks.

The next round of Matching Grant applications are due on November 15, 2010. The applications can be found on our website. Up to $25,000 is available to congregations interested in implementing suggestions from their Power Wise energy audits to reduce energy consumption and costs. Congregations must be able to show that they have their matching funds within six months of receiving the grant award, in addition to being a member of Power Wise and having an energy audit of their facilities.