With increasing frequency, “green” press releases are landing on my desk, ranging from furniture and playground equipment to flooring and sustainable buildings, and nearly everything in between. No doubt about it, environmentally friendly products and facilities are a hot topic in today’s world.

As this is our annual Church Finance issue, and in light of all of the “green” talk out there right now, especially in this election year, my research for this letter focused on examining the relationship between your budget and the environment.

According to the National Council of Churches (USA) Eco-Justice Program, “Burning fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas to power places of worship is increasingly costly to congregational finances, congregants' health, and God's creation. By utilizing energy efficiency and clean energy technologies, congregations can cut utility costs by 25 to 30 percent, saving $8,000 to $17,000 per year.”

The organization offers five steps to a healthier and more environmentally friendly church:

1. Conduct an energy audit.

2. Practice conservation landscaping on the church grounds.

3. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

4. Host events that are environmentally friendly.

5. Reduce waste.

The steps you take today to protect the environment can certainly impact your budget and maximize the funds entrusted to you.

I’d love to hear about some of your “green” tips to share with other church leaders. Let me know what you’re doing in your own facility, and I’ll include them in an upcoming issue. I’m always interested in hearing from you. You can reach me at jill@rpnmag.com.

God Bless,

Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor