Going Green and Saving Money – Environmental Stewardship and the AME Church White House: Greening America’s Congregations Through Energy Efficiency - A Call To Action September 13 th, Foundation

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Host Bishop “We want to help our congregations and communities save energy and generate dollar savings that can be used to extend their work,” said Bishop McKenzie, whose 13th Episcopal District includes Tennessee and Kentucky. “Some of our churches are very large and consume a great deal of energy, so there is the potential for significant savings,” she said. “AME churches come in all sizes and states of repair, with some dating back more than 100 years, so there is great potential for savings from becoming more energy efficient,” said Bishop Richardson, whose Second Episcopal District includes Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia and North Carolina. “We will explore how to go about recovering costs. We want to be on the cutting edge and still contribute savings to the environment.” 2

About Us  Non-partisan: Board Members include Donna Brazile and former Rep. J.C. Watts (R)  Only DC think tank with sole focus on African Americans and other communities of color. 30+ staff.  In-house polling, research and convening in DC and key states with leaders across the country 3 Convener of National Policy Alliance - Black Leaders in Government Nationwide

CAROLYN GREEN CEO, EnerGreen Capital BEN JEALOUS Executive Director, NAACP DR. GEORGES BENJAMIN President, APHA CALVIN BUTLER Vice President, Exelon PHAEDRA ELLIS President, Green For All LESLIE FIELDS Program Director Sierra Club DR. WARREN WASHINGTON Scientist, NCAR (& others!) 4 Commission to Engage African Americans on Energy, Climate Change and the Environment - Multi Sector Blue Ribbon Commission

Case Studies: Assessment Results  Empty refrigerators, or very old  Old “energy hog” light bulbs  Windows with holes In short – Paying for energy that is providing NO value 5 Energy Efficiency Case Study Two AME districts Surveyed 16 churches Selected 3 churches

Case Studies: What Was Done? Low and no-cost retrofits:  Exit Signs, Door Sweeps  ENERGY STAR Light bulbs  REFRIGERATOR  OPERATIONS TIPS – unplug if you are not using, especially for large items like refrigerators If moderate or higher cost retrofits were done, would include:  Refitting or replacing HVAC systems, purchasing efficient appliances, etc  Fancy Stuff (solar panels, etc) 6 Pilgrim AME Church Washington, DC

Potential Savings: Pilgrim AME (Annual) If Post-Retrofit EPA ENERGY STAR Rating increases to: Potential Energy Bill SAVINGS$9,322$10,975$17,240$27,598 Percent Savings26%42%58%84% 8 Today 7

Potential Electricity, Natural Gas, and Fuel Oil If ALL AME Churches Made Changes Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2003 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), houses of worship with 500 seats or fewer Average US Church Total AME Community (4100 US Churches) Average Annual Energy Bill $7,192$28.1 million 10% Savings$719$2.8 million 20% Savings$1,438$5.6 million 30% Savings$2,158$8.4 million 8

Lessons and Solving Challenges Even small investments yield significant rewards! Solving Challenges  Priorities: “Do you know what your Districts monthly energy bill is?”  Busy schedules, finding the time – involve youth and members! Benefits  Increased money to devote to your ministries -How long does it take in church to collect $1000 in donations?  Better environmental stewardship  Education for members  A positive example for community  Understanding importance of public policies that invest in energy efficiency – good for the church, community, country. 9

Thank You! White House: Greening America’s Congregations Through Energy Efficiency - A Call To Action September 13 th, Foundation

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Why Energy Efficiency is Important Energy Efficiency: America’s Greatest Energy Resource Sources of U.S. Energy in 2009 Quadrillion BTUs

Pastor Christopher’s “Lightbulb Moment”! 13

Case Studies: Assessment Results Energy star scores out of 100 (graded on a curve) Pilgrim AME: 8 St. John AME: 38 Bethlehem AME: 10 14

Case Study: 3 Churches Seating Capacity Hours of Operation 15

Combined District 2 & 13 Surveyed 16