By Bob Wohlsen

Churches throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California are utilizing the recommendations in their energy-efficiency assessment reports to develop action plans that will guide them to achieve carbon neutrality over the next six years. Twenty-six churches were assessed for their energy efficiency by Colby May, Energy for Purpose energy efficiency expert, in 2023. All have received their assessment reports that detail current energy efficiency and recommend ways that will lead to a reduction in energy usage, saving money, and reducing their carbon footprint. Nine additional churches will be assessed this month.

To assist church Green Team members in creating their action plan, the Commission on the Environment presented a webinar about developing an action plan to accomplish the recommendations in the assessment report. The recording of this webinar and an action plan workbook are posted on the Commission on the Environments webpage at the diocesan website.

Bob Wohlsen, Commission on the Environment project coordinator, is providing guidance and resources to the churches as they develop their action plans. Funding for these assessments has come from the diocese, an Episcopal Church Creation Care grant, grants from the Episcopal Foundation of Northern California, and donations from individual churches. For more information on the diocese’s program, contact Bob Wohlsen at bob.wohlsen@gmail.com.