Over the years you’ve probably heard about Energy Star. We’ve all see the logo on appliances…but there’s more to it than that.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced Energy Star as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and monitors were the first labeled products. Through 1995, EPA expanded the label to additional office equipment products and residential heating and cooling equipment. In 1996, EPA partnered with the US Department of Energy for particular product categories. The Energy Star label is now on major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and more. EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

Energy Star is now expanding their services to cover houses of worship and congregations under a program called Energy Star for Congregations.  We’ve recently featured the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta and First Parish in Needham Unitarian Universalist as recipients of the Energy Star label.  Watch this video to learn more about how some houses of worship were able to become better stewards of their environment:

Houses of worship foster environmental stewardship

After watching this short video, consider signing up for Energy Star for Congregations for FREE.  “Most congregations can cut energy costs by up to 30% by investing strategically in efficient equipment, facility upgrades and maintenance. With free, unbiased information and technical support from Energy Star, your congregation can more easily improve stewardship of your budget’s energy dollars, and of the earth by reducing energy waste and energy costs, while protecting the environment.”