Learn from Other Congregations' Successes

Many congregations have demonstrated their environmental stewardship and commitment to conserving financial resources by earning ENERGY STAR certification. Others have demonstrated their commitment by undertaking significant energy efficiency improvement programs and projects within their facility – and others have created external-facing communications and support programs to work with others in the faith community. Read the following success stories to see how these congregations improved their energy performance and earned recognition—and view the full list of congregations that have earned the ENERGY STAR.

ENERGY STAR congregation success stories

ENERGY STAR Success Story: Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
ISNA’s Green Initiative is helping member mosques/Islamic centers become more environmentally friendly and adopt sustainable practices, including benchmarking and certifying ENERGY STAR buildings.

ENERGY STAR Success Story: Detroit 2030 District
The Detroit 2030 District completed a successful House of Worship Treasure Hunt Series to increase sustainability among several local congregations.

ENERGY STAR Success Story: Dennis Union Church
Dennis Union Church, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, created a six-part Energy Action Plan to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint. Despite expanding its square footage by nearly 40 percent, the church achieved three percent energy savings!

ENERGY STAR Success Story: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish transformed itself into an energy-efficient organization with several green facilities. The parish implemented sustainability policies to lessen the impact of waste (especially plastic waste) on the environment, while also upgrading its facility infrastructure.

ENERGY STAR Success Story: Georgia Interfaith Power and Light
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light engaged faith communities in environmental stewardship through worship, education, and outreach, and in 2014, became the first faith-based non-profit to earn the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for climate communications.

ENERGY STAR Success Story: Michigan Interfaith Power and Light
Michigan Interfaith Power and Light has engaged and educated faith communities on environmental sustainability, as well as convinced public officials, businesses, and utilities to reduce energy demand. To date, it has provided over 350 congregations with free energy audits and energy education to help reduce its energy use by 10% or more.

ENERGY STAR certified denominational headquarters and religious administrative buildings

Commercial Buildings