Renovations

In Your Church's Buildings

Energy Conservation
Some of the most important renovations a congregation can make are those involving conservation of energy. These resources describe how to receive an energy audit, the benefits of doing so, and some effective steps toward saving more energy.

• General Information:
  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=congregations_guidebook.congregations_guidebook_sure_energy_savers http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/pubs/gplocator.htm
  http://nccecojustice.org/energy/
• Programs:
  http://eetd.lbl.gov/EnergyCrossroads/2ueeprogram.html
• Renewable Energy:
  http://www.greenfaith.org/stewardship/renewable.html

Water Conservation
Discover ways to save water in your church's buildings.

• General:
  http://nccecojustice.org/water/
• Materials:
  http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/index.htm
• Examples:
  http://www.interfaithpower.org/Mlwc.htm

On Your Grounds

Renovating does not have to stop in your buildings. Learn about ways that you can green your parking lots and landscaping.

• General:
  http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/greenscapes/index.htm
• Xeriscaping: Xeriscaping is a landscaping method designed to conserve water.
  http://www.eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm http://www.landscape-design-advisor.com/xeriscape-landscape-design.html
• Composting:
  http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm http://www.thedoubter.org/html-hold/gardenhelphowto.html
• Conservation Districts/Funding Opportunities:
  http://www.nacdnet.org/ http://www.thedoubter.org/html-hold/gardenhelphowto.html

Construct Your Building

Materials
Learn about sustainable building materials.

• http://www.greenbuildingsolutions.org/s_greenbuilding/sec.asp?CID=2113&DID=8951
• http://www.greenbuildingsolutions.org/s_greenbuilding/sec.asp?CID=2115&DID=8953
• http://planetreuse.com/

Best Practices for Construction
Tips for the actual building process.

• http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/imr/cdm/whatyoucan.htm
• http://www.constructiongreenbook.com/

LEED (Leadership in Enegry and Environmental Design) Certification
Considering becoming LEED certified? Learn more about what you will need to incorporate in your design plans to do so.

• https://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

Low (and No) Cost Construction Variations
Small changes like the direction of your building faces can have a huge influence on its environmental impact. Check out some cheap and easy options for making your new building greener.

• http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?a=178771&c=41617
• http://jetsongreen.typepad.com/jetson_green/2006/12/global_green_us.html