I am trying to encourage you to be a better steward with your environment. I also hope to help you be a better steward with your pocketbook. Going green often can save you money in the long run. Take a look at what Prestonwood Church came up with and how it has effected their Green. They saved so much money with the savings they launched a second campus. A church exists where one had not because they saved GREEN. What if you gave your savings to God? How many more people could be reached with his love, touched by his spirit and needs met?
Prestonwood Energy Conservation Program
In following Jesus’ command to his disciples in John 6:12, “…… Let nothing be wasted,”
we implemented an Energy Conservation Program in July 2006. By doing so, we’re not
only being good stewards of our church’s energy use, we are saving money that is then
used for ministry work. Since then, we have saved more than $1.5 million. (Updated
March 2008)
Although we were always energy conscious, we began looking at everything at
Prestonwood that uses energy – electricity, natural gas, water and sewer – and developed
a plan to use it in the most efficient way possible.
• Implemented software program that tracks energy usage
• Installed approximately 300 compact florescent light bulbs in office desk and
table lamps throughout the church
• Installed approximately 140 motion light sensors in bathrooms, meeting rooms
and offices throughout the church
• De-lamped 22 beverage vending machines
• Installed timers on 22 beverage machines to limit the compressors
• Disconnected the water cooler compressors from running during the fall and
winter season
• Installed a well and pump to fill the lake north of the Upper School without using
city water
• Installed timers on all kiosk units throughout the church to limit the lighting each
day
• Installed timers on all interior Christmas light displays so that lighting was limited
during the holiday season
• Installed 28 Weathermatic Irrigation Controllers to more efficiently irrigate the
500 irrigation zones around the church and Prestonwood Christian Academy
(These intelligent controllers determine on a daily basis how much water is
needed to keep the grounds appropriately irrigated, thereby eliminating
over/under watering.)
• Converted Time Clocks from Mechanical to Digital Astrological on several
Exterior Lighting zones, the Prayer Garden, and Lake Fountain
• Hold seminars and classes for members and guests to learn how they can be
energy efficient at home
We continue to tweak our plan regularly, always looking for additional ways to
conserve energy.
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