By Connie Schmidt
 |
Solar panels installed on the roof at the
DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church |
People across DuPage County and Illinois are
excited about saving money and decreasing their carbon footprint with energy
efficiency and renewable energy opportunities. The Future Energy Jobs Act of
late 2016 (FEJA) offers myriad incentives for reducing our reliance on fossil
fuels. Houses of worship are known for their fiscally conservative budgets and
desire for social consciousness. This makes for a perfect audience for an
upcoming FREE seminar organized by three DuPage-area organizations: Faith in Place,
Congregations Collaborating for Sustainability, and the DuPage Clean Energy
Coalition.
All communities of faith are welcome to this event, titled
“Pathways to Clean Energy for Faith Communities.” It will take place
on Saturday, March 30, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Speakers will present on the need to act now
to preserve the planet, the economic benefits of energy efficiency, and funding
options for clean energy upgrades through FEJA. The event will also feature
case studies from fellow DuPage-area congregations who have made the switch to
clean energy or who have active Green Teams carrying out projects. The location
is the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church at 1828 Old Naperville Rd. in
Naperville. Their solar panels, installed in 2018 at nearly no cost to the
church, will be one of the topics for discussion!
Pastor Scott Oberle, Senior Pastor at First
Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, will open the event. He
believes that climate change is the number one justice issue confronting our
generation and that it is inextricably linked to our economics. Cynthia Thomas
of Commonwealth Edison will follow him with remarks on energy efficiency
programs. ComEd now offers a number of free upgrades for lighting, occupancy
switches, and other savings available through evaluations with a specialist. Lastly,
Dan Huntsha of Faith in Place will give an overview of options for solar
installations and the benefits and incentives provided under FEJA for solar power.
Installing solar panels and making
energy-efficient improvements is now more affordable and accessible than ever. Come
learn about how your faith community can save money, act locally on climate
change, and continue down the path of stewardship together by being part of the
clean energy transition. To register:
For additional information contact Connie
Schmidt, twnstr111@msn.com
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