Union Church in Berea powers a third of their energy needs from the sun.
Installed in 2016, the solar panels generate 20 kilowatts of electricity and have saved the church nearly $6,000 on their electric bills.
MACED began working with Union Church in 2008 to help them tackle their high energy bills. Since, this work has resulted in them being able to cut their energy usage by about 50 percent through energy efficiency improvements.
The first step was to conduct an energy efficiency audit of their building. After the audit, MACED recommended a number of improvements. Over the years, the Church implemented many of the recommendations, including replacing their inefficient boiler with much improved HVAC system, upgrading to more water heating system and efficient lighting. Adding solar was one of the last steps in this journey.
Union Church is a progressive ecumenical Christian community that has served the Berea, Kentucky, community, including many Berea College students, since 1853. Their mission is to create a hospitable, safe and inclusive space for all. Part of this is working to become more sustainable and being better steward earth’s resources.
An interactive display at the church shows live energy usage and solar generation (which can also be viewed online through their interactive meter), actively involving church goers in the efforts. At the time of writing, they have reduced carbon emissions — equivalent to growing 1,612 trees, or preventing 67,000 pounds of coal from being burned.
Kent Gilbert has been the lead pastor of Union Church since 1997.
“MACED has been invaluable to us on this project providing technical guidance, connections to suppliers and resources. They have walked with us every step of the way from dreaming to completion,” Kent said. “It’s been wonderful.”
Union Church is proud to offer many engaging community activities, like Saturday sing alongs, and events to celebrate their community throughout the year, such as Women’s History Month. They use their social media to share worship bulletins, memes, and more.
MACED is proud to have helped facilitate Union Church’s energy projects, and we continue to support them as they look at adding more solar and other efficiency improvements. Please contact us if your church or faith group is interested in energy savings.
