St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Receives a GIPL Grant

 St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw is one of 11 members the Catholic Pilot Project.  This project, whose full name is the “Laudato Si’ Action Plan Pilot Project,” came to life when the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta decided to run a pilot project to support this group of parishes and schools in making environmental improvements.  “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home” is Pope Francis’ encyclical about caring for the earth and each other.The long-term goal of the Pilot Project is to reduce each parish or school’s carbon footprint and increase energy and water efficiency and conservation.  For each location, the near-term goal was to conduct a Power Wise energy audit and water conservation assessment, and to create improvement plan.  The ultimate goal is to reduce their negative impact on creation.In 2017, in partnership with the Southface Energy Institute and the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Georgia Chapter, GIPL provided energy and water audits for 11 facilities.  GIPL then helped each location review the audit reports and develop energy efficiency and water conservation improvement plans for 2018 - 2020.St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church (and School) completed a Power Wise energy audit in April. The report recommended three Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) for LED lighting upgrades and reconditioning of the building automation system.  If St. Catherine’s does implement all three ECMs, annual energy savings for the 92,000-square foot facility could reach $15,000, a 10% savings.During this grant cycle, the church applied for their first GIPL grant.  They requested $9,249 (50% of the $18,498 full cost) to upgrade incandescent can lamps in the church sanctuary with LED lamps and upgrade their existing energy management system.  The GIPL grants committee viewed the project favorably at their December 7, 2017 meeting and awarded the church their full request.  Brian Savoie, GIPL’s project manager for the Pilot Project, presented the award check to the church leadership on February 5, 2018.The church will establish a creation care team in 2018 to begin the development of their stewardship program for their school and congregation.  They have already begun to implement their energy and water conservation measures, and will continue to do so in 2018.In 2018, help your congregation save money through energy efficiency.  The first step is to obtain a low-cost energy audit through GIPL’s Power Wise Program.  A professional engineer with over 25 years energy management experience will conduct the audit and prepare the audit report which will serve as your roadmap to energy efficiency.  Recommendations in the audit are eligible for up to $10,000 in matching grants.  The deadline for grant applications is November 15, 2018.  Make this the year to help care for creation at your church or school!