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May 2012

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Reducing your energy consumption might mean relying on fewer projector lumens. That, in turn, could mean a rear-projection system, like this church that uses Draper Cinescreens.  

By now you’ve heard a lot about green technology—whether it’s hybrid cars, alternative fuel sources such as windmills and solar cells, or energy-efficient light bulbs. Maybe you’ve tried to reduce your family’s carbon footprint by recycling, car-pooling, or better insulating your house. But what about that large building where you spend so much time? How can you apply environmentally friendly principles to your church? Is there a “green” approach to A/V systems that’s viable for congregations?

First of all, it’s probably obvious that focusing only on the audiovisual components of the building is missing the forest for the trees. Energy efficiency can be an elusive goal when you’re dealing with a large building with so many systems that draw power: lights, audio, video, and especially heating and cooling.

Building design itself has such a large impact on a church’s potential energy consumption that those planning a new construction will be able to implement green principles much more easily than those trying to improve an existing structure. (Of course, one could argue that revamping an existing structure is inherently more “green” than building a whole new facility.) Still, there are always opportunities for congregations to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors, and today’s technology can help. This article explores the green building movement, and how that applies to churches and their audiovisual systems. It also describes ways that congregations can improve the environmental friendliness of existing buildings and systems.

It’s an Attitude
Before I get into green building standards and specific environmentally friendly practices, a word about attitude. Deciding on a commitment to “green A/V” means, in large part, conserving energy. That, of course, could mean a lot of different things: Turning off the lights when the sun is strong enough. Calculating how bright your display system really needs to be, and opting for a low-wattage solution. Using a facility management program to maximize your facility’s existing rooms, rather than reflexively building an addition.

But ultimately, any foray into environmentally friendly operation should start with a cultural commitment from the congregation. A church’s reduction in energy consumption will depend largely on the day-to-day behavior of its staff and members. Take it from Scott Vyn, an architect with Integrated Architecture of Grand Rapids, Michigan, which designed Keystone Community Church in Ada, Michigan. Keystone is the first house of worship to be certified as a green building by the United States Green Buildings Council (USGBC). “Especially in a church like Keystone, you would hope that the congregation in general is having a deeper appreciation of sustainable issues,” says Vyn. “It starts to influence the way they think and live.”

Taking the LEED
For congregations looking for a formal way to adopt green principles, there’s a fairly new, still-evolving certification process for both new buildings and existing structures. Developed by the nonprofit USGBC, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a framework for rating and certifying buildings that are designed to consume as little energy and water as necessary.

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Trevor Boyer is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, New York. He likes to write professional A/V and video production stories (like this one) that can be reported via subway travel.

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