This morning I sat in on a session with Jerry Lawson of Energy Star's Small Business and Congregations Network in Washington, D.C., on "The First Energy Star Churches." I heard first-hand, from church leaders around the country who've attained the designation, how they did it and what kind of results they're seeing in terms of ROI. The results are impressive. As an example of the energy savings that churches can expect to achieve, Lawson says that 25%-35% is the average savings potential. And he told church leaders not to be discouraged if their building is old. "New is not necessarily better. It's operation and maintenance [that will ultimately determine savings,]" he says.
To find out about Portfolio Manager software that can help church leaders determine what it will take for them to earn the designation of an Energy Star Church, go to www.energystar/gov.benchmark.
In other news, Worship Facilities learned from Dave Benham with Neal Prince Architects that the company is joining forces with LS3P of Charlotte, N.C. Together, the firm will serve clients from six locations: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington. Benham will act as director of religious studio, and he's joined by Nathan Daniel, AIA, LEED AP and project designer, as well as Sandy Gibbes, project designer. For more on the venture, see www.neal-prince.com.
Another church architect, Visioneering Studios nationwide, announces the opening of a new Charlotte office. Visioneering's new office will be headed by David Dial, formerly of Living Stones Architecture. To learn more, see www.visioneeringstudios.com.
Tonight, I attended the WFX tour of Atlanta's Mount Paran Church. Attendees learned how the church renovated a gym space to create its Element high school worship space. We also learned what building elements were modified and how, along with what A/V/L components were used or purchased as cheaply as possible from eBay. We also had the treat of hearing the Element's praise and worship band. Another highlight of the night -- getting to see the space where the church holds its weekly hip hop worship services. This is a ministry that's bringing new people to the church like never before.
For more on the action at WFX, see video at www.wfxweb.com.
