FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Sustain Our Society –
Conserve and Create Energy
September, 2009
Q: What is the Sustain Our Society (SOS) Initiative?
A: The SOS initiative encompasses improvements to our building that will both conserve and create energy. These improvements include insulation upgrades to several parts of the building and installation of photovoltaic panels, often called “solar panels,” on the roof of the Leenhouts Common Room to produce electricity. Professionals have conducted an energy audit and identified places where we can realistically insulate to save money. We also aim, this year and next, to engage members and friends in a discussion of how our society’s energy future is changing, and what our choices for tomorrow are.
Q. What will be done?
A: The improvements include insulation upgrades to several parts of the building and installation of photovoltaic panels, often called “solar panels,” on the roof of the Leenhouts Common Room to produce electricity. Professionals have conducted an energy audit and identified places where we can realistically insulate to save money. We also aim, this year and next, to engage members and friends in a discussion of how our society’s energy future is changing, and what our choices for tomorrow are.
Q: What will the building improvements cost?
A: The total project cost is $151,000, including $93,000 for the solar panels and $58,000 for insulation and related expenses. The biggest insulation items are approximately $31,000 for the sanctuary ceiling and $7,500 for the apartment building. The cost to First Church for the solar panels is only $26,000 (28% of the cost) because of utility rebate programs.
Q: With all this work being done on the building, what will be the level of disruption?
A: Scheduling of the work will ensure minimal disruption. The teams and committees are working closely with the Church Administrator to limit disruption to the congregation and our neighbors.
Q: What is the financial benefit to First Church?
A: The electricity produced by the solar panels will be approximately 10% of what the church now uses. Insulationand changes in our habits can reduce our electricity use, saving additional dollars. Current estimates are that we will have an immediate cost savings of approximately $9,500, based on current electricity rates. Costs savings will increase in the future as energy prices rise.
Q: What will be the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which affect climate change?
A: The full project will save approximately 27 tons of carbon dioxide per year from being emitted into the atmosphere.
Q: Will there be any maintenance costs for the solar panels and equipment?
A: Maintenance will be minimal. Two inverters needs to be replaced every ten years (they may last longer) at a cost of approximately $3,000 each (current dollars). They come with 10-year warranties.
Q: When will the work be completed?
A: Solar panel installation is scheduled to be completed by June 15, 2010. Insulation and other improvements will be scheduled throughout 2010 with consideration being made to the both the church's and the contractors' schedules.
Q: Where can I find out more information?
A: For more information you may contact the following people:
- General information: jdubrosky
aol [dot] com (subject: SOS%20Inquiry) (Judy Dubrosky), Sustainability Team Leader - Solar Panels: Mark Mueller
- Energy audit, insulation, climate change and peak oil: TBRAND2935yahoo [dot] com (subject: SOS%20Inquiry) (Tom Brandstetter) or patrickjschroedergmail [dot] com (subject: SOS%20Inquiry) (Pat Schroeder)
- Building Improvements: joe [dot] schullergraef-usa [dot] com (subject: SOS%20Inquiry) (Joe Schuller), Building and Grounds Committee
Q: The term "peak oil" is used frequently in reference to this project. What is peak oil?
A: Peak oil refers to the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters a decline. After peak oil is reached, oil will become increasingly difficult to extract from the ground, causing considerable stress and changes in our society. Some argue that peak oil will occur in five years, ten years or has already been reached. Regardless of the timing, most experts agree that behavioral and societal changes must occur now in order to be able to sustain humanity.
Q: What is the Green Sanctuary Certification that we are building on with this SOS project?
A: Following a multi-year effort, the congregation voted at the Annual Meeting on May 17, 2009 to apply for certification through the Green Sanctuary Program. This program was developed by the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth, and is now managed by our denominational office, the Unitarian Universalist Association. First Church, under the leadership of the Environmental Committee, established goals to respect the interdependent web of all existence in all aspects of church life, and attained them over three years with 12 projects completed.
Q: What and who is the SOS Team?
A: The Sustain Our Society (SOS) Team, also known as the Sustainability Team, is a subcommittee of the Environmental Committee. We have worked closely with church staff and other committees, including the Building & Grounds Committee, Forum Committee, and Marketing Committee.
