GIPL’s Power Wise program is designed to help congregations lower their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy that is consumed on site. This reduction in energy consumption helps to reduce environmental injustices that are caused by the improper storage of energy waste, and the public health problems that are caused by coal and natural gas plants in Georgia. 

Energy efficiency retrofits are one of the high impact climate solutions identified by Drawdown Georgia. The inefficient use of electricity and natural gas in our buildings makes up more than 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. So, energy-efficiency retrofits are one of the most impactful and easy to implement climate solutions available for congregational facilities. Faith communities that participate in GIPL’s Power Wise energy-efficiency program can also save up to 20% on their energy bills by implementing the recommended retrofits and upgrades. 

Since 2003, GIPL has performed over 390 energy audits for faith communities across the state of Georgia and awarded over $995,000 in energy-efficiency matching grant funds to help congregations invest in energy efficiency upgrades that would otherwise be cost prohibitive. This has not only allowed each of these congregations to combat climate change and environmental injustices, but it has also helped to save them money that can be reinvested into their communities and mission priorities.

Enrollment in the Power Wise program includes:

• Professional Energy Audit
• Analysis of Energy Data of the entire congregation’s campus
• Customized Energy Efficiency Projects and Implementation Plan
• Personal Audit Review and debrief in consultation with GIPL staff
• Eligibility to apply for energy efficiency matching grants of up to $7,000 each year, for up to six years.

Synagogues, mosques, churches, temples, religious schools, and other worship facilities are eligible to participate in this program! The fee to enroll in Power Wise ranges from $300-$500 and is based on a congregation’s membership.