Caring for Creation

In 2008 the Session (governing body) of First Presbyterian Church declared that we would become a Carbon Neutral congregation.  We began to examine all aspects of our corporate life to save energy, reduce pollution, and change behaviors that contribute to global climate change. 

 

Since we took the Carbon Neutral Pledge, we have replaced electrical fixtures, installed new windows and air conditioning units in the Education Building, and completely renovated the sanctuary.  Improvements in the sanctuary include extensive insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and state-of-the-art lighting.  We also installed the City's second-largest solar voltaic generating plant. 

The solar voltaic electrical generating plant on the roof of the Education Building produces 25.5 kw hours of electricity on sunny days, providing roughly 25% of our total electric consumption. When not needed on site, the electricity produced by the system is, in effect, "sold" to the municipal grid.

 

 

Click here or on the photo of the panels above to see a real-time readout of our solar voltaic system.

 

Our congregation's fossil-free investment committment is featured in Cornerstone Magazine.