Response Form: Be the Light Results Are Coming In

A response form for reporting your congregation's Be the Light progress is now available here at on the page listed to the right. 

In this past week I have heard from two congregations about their lighting changes. One of them, First Presbyterian in Bloomington, was listed in the November newsletter: 

Here's what one Indiana congregation is planning to complete this fall, for a savings of 80% of the previous electrical use in these areas:

• Replace 34 bulbs in the sanctuary with LED bulbs. The 150w incandescent bulbs will be replaced by LEDs rated at 23w.
• Replace 47 troffers in the administrative office area, two hallways, two classrooms, and four restrooms, changing from fluorescent bulbs to LEDs. The old troffers that are rated at 170w will be replaced by LED units rated at 30w. Office lights will get dimmable switches.
• Install motion detector switches in the hallway

Another congregation, Kern Road Mennonite in South Bend, has also been very busy. Vic Myers (who also convenes the Using Energy Prudently group in South Bend) says:

"Last Saturday, November 15, ten of us at Kern Road Mennonite Church in South Bend replaced all 46 of the T-12 fluorescent ballasts and tubes in our fellowship hall to 28 W T-8 fluorescents in an astonishing three hours.  No one yet has complained, and some think that the light may even be brighter.  Of course, in the process of the work, we also cleaned off all of the lens covers.  That may be contributing to the extra brightness.  We were amazed to learn firsthand how warm to the touch many of the old ballasts were.  I have estimated a savings of 44% or close to $200 annually based on our usage of the room.

"We also started checking the other light fixtures and have identified some concealed incandescent bulbs that we plan to replace with LED bulbs.  We also found at least four more T-12 fixtures.  Some of us are thinking we could use another work day in January."

Vic Myers also created a very helpful energy savings calculating tool that can be downloaded from the Fluorescent and LED Troffers page. I've linked to it here as well.  

Statewide Be the (Energy Efficient) Light Virtual Workday--Deadline Extended!

H-IPL's first Be the Light Virtual Workday has been extended into the new year! Because of the changes in utility rebate programs statewide, because we want to involve as many congregations as possible, and just BECAUSE, we're extending the program to February 15, 2015! Join us today!

You choose the day that suits your congregation. You choose the changes that fit your needs, budget, and resources. H-IPL will provide planning guides, how-to’s, product information, and support. Then, tell us what you have accomplished, and we will report what congregations across the state did together!

Change incandescents in worship buildings to CFLs and LEDs.

Change T-12 fluorescent light fixtures to energy-saving T-8s or T-5s.

Change exit sign lights to LEDs.

Install occupancy sensors in spaces where lights are left on.

Install timers on water fountains to chill only when in use.

Replace outdoor floodlights with cooler LEDs.

Here's are some simple examples: 
First Presbyterian Church in Jeffersonville is finishing our Exit sign changeover. We bought four signs through Duke Energy's online store for $8.48 each. Replacing four old incandescent signs will take us from 1400 kWh per year (350 each) to 176 (44 each), shaving $96 from the annual light bill and paying for themselves in four months. 
    We are also exchanging 63 incandescent candelabra lights to 3.5 watt dimmable LEDs at a cost of $6 each from Duke. At ten times more efficient, these are expected to shave off another 25 cents for every hour they are used, or about $200 per year, paying for themselves in less than two years, plus the time and cost of replacing burned-out bulbs.
    We installed a small solar panel to power the lighting on a lovely stained glass Blessing of the Animals window. In addition to saving the time and expense of new wiring, this "free" electricity will light up our window every evening of the year at no cost.
    Stay tuned for more changes and their savings....

To get started, see the Be the Light Planning Guide page. See also the pages on Rebates and Incentives, Light Bulbs, Fluorescent and LED fixtures, Recycling Bulbs, Changing Exit Signs, and Occupancy Sensors. 

To ask questions or register your congregation, contact Trisha Tull, H-IPL Affiliate Developer, at BeTheLightHIPL@gmail.com.  

Hoosier IPL Statewide Be the (Energy Efficient) Light Virtual Workday

Plans are rolling fast for Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light's first ever Statewide Work Day for energy efficiency in worship buildings! Join us today!

You choose the day that suits your congregation. You choose the changes that fit your needs, budget, and resources. H-IPL will provide planning guides, how-to’s, product information, and support. Then, tell us what you have accomplished, and we will report what congregations across the state did together!

Change incandescents in worship buildings to CFLs and LEDs.

Change T-12 fluorescent light fixtures to energy-saving T-8s or T-5s.

Change exit sign lights to LEDs.

Install occupancy sensors in spaces where lights are left on.

Install timers on water fountains to chill only when in use.

Replace outdoor floodlights with cooler LEDs.

To get started, see the Be the Light Planning Guide page. 

To ask questions or register your congregation, contact Trisha Tull, H-IPL Affiliate Developer, at BeTheLightHIPL@gmail.com.