Winthrop Congregational Church To Receive Award for 14% Carbon Emissions Reduction in Governor's Carbon Challenge!
Winthrop Congregational Church achieved a 14% reduction in carbon emissions and will be recognized with a Governor’s Carbon Challenge award at the Governor’s Carbon Challenge Networking and Expo Forum in Augusta. In addition to being the first church to join the Challenge, Winthrop has demonstrated that even smaller scale organizations and businesses can participate and make changes that accomplish beneficial energy efficiency measures, fuel cost savings, and carbon emission reductions. Trustee, Mike Burns, says, “The Governor’s Carbon Challenge provided the congregation with the opportunity to count the environmental and financial savings when upgrading our heating and lighting systems. When we signed up for the program, the Church was concerned we might not be able to meet our commitment of a 10 percent reduction on our limited budget. We were fortunate to meet and exceed the commitment.”
Winthrop Congregational Church performed three basic projects that contributed to their reported carbon reduction. The biggest gain came from the upgrade of their boiler to a more efficient (and reasonably priced) small commercial “cold start” boiler that provides heat and hot water. Secondly, more efficient fluorescent light bulbs were installed, and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) replaced incandescents. And three stained glass windows received improved weatherization. Earlier improvements included the installation of more efficient replacement windows.
The Governor’s Carbon Challenge is a voluntary goal-setting program to assist businesses and non-profit organizations accomplish their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
