EPA praises St. Andrew's for years of Energy Star certification

EPA praises St. Andrew’s for years of Energy Star certification

August 28, 2017 Uncategorized

This week St. Andrew’s, Newport News, received a letter from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that included these words:

“…I am writing to thank your congregation for being a national leader in environmental and financial stewardship represented by your worship facility achieving ENERGY STAR certification first in 2009, followed by 2012-2017 – the most years certified of any congregation.” — Jerry Lawson, National Manager, ENERGY STAR for Congregations

On average, Energy Star certified buildings use 35% less energy and cause 35% fewer harmful pollutants than comparable U.S. buildings. “There are many reasons why St Andrew’s originally got involved in this program: decreasing budgets and increasing utility rates being the obvious ones,” said Bob Lord, the volunteer who spearheads this effort. “Ultimately, though, as a church, we felt we had a special calling by God to be the best stewards possible of the gifts he has so richly bestowed on us.”