The Green Committee, through its chair Katia Reeves, gave an update to the Pastoral Stewardship Council this last Wednesday, and here was one of their report items:
"Through a number of measures, we reduced the carbon footprint from natural gas consumption at our parish facilities by 43% from 2009 through 2015. The side benefit is the energy cost savings. In 2009 we emitted 156.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to natural gas and in 2015 it went down to 89 metric tons. One metric ton = 2,205 lbs. We can still reduce more emissions and achieve cost savings on utility bills. With the gas winter rate of $1 per therm, we can achieve significant savings during the cold months. One such step is to use occupancy sensing thermostats in facilities prone to being heated when not in use. Along with the Building and Equipment Maintenance Committee, we hope to pilot at least one this fall.”
Congratulations to our active Green Committee, and our very responsive (and generous) parishioners!