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Grand Rapids homeowners saved money. New conservation projects were funded. On a small scale, even greenhouse gas emissions were reduced. This was the result of a recent fundraiser by one of Climate Witness Project’s partner churches in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Church of the Servant recently partnered with Consumers Energy and Michigan Interfaith Power and Light to offer free home energy audits to all Consumers Energy customers in the Grand Rapids area. This audit provided participants with recommendations for energy saving changes as well as potential rebate opportunities, and then followed that up with installing free LED light bulbs where needed, nightlights and a NEST thermostat for better temperature regulation.
For Tom McWhertor of Grand Rapids, it was a blessing. ”The experience was very, very easy,” according to McWhertor. “They were in and out of our home in less than an hour.” Paul Stoub found the audit and what it revealed about energy usage beneficial. “Our energy use has continued to decline as we have made various changes,” Paul told us.
Climate Witness Project’s local organizer Steve Mulder, felt the project was a success for all involved. “The Consumers Energy/ IPL Houses of Worship Rewards program was a Win-Win-Win-Win! We raised $1,000 for the Climate Witness Project and $3,000 for the Church of the Servant's Creation Care Team...the biggest winner was the Creation as we collectively reduced our emission of harmful greenhouse gases.”
The project’s benefits went beyond just the audit. “They installed nearly 20 LED bulbs, including several specialty bulbs which would normally be quite expensive,” said McWhertor. “[They] estimated that they’d given us almost $450 worth of materials and that we’d now be saving about $180 a year on energy costs.”
The CRC’s Climate Witness Project is focused on helping churches and individuals work towards net-zero emissions. They plan to partner with churches and organizations throughout Michigan in the weeks and months ahead to continue to make these kinds of creation care opportunities available.
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