UUS:E Meetinghouse
153 Vernon St West
Manchester, CT 06042
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The Unitarian Universalist Society: East (UUS:E) recently completed a $2 million renovation of its Meetinghouse in Manchester, CT. The original building was constructed in 1979, with a major addition built in 1989. Due to the continuing growth of the congregation, additional space was needed, and a key requirement for the expansion was sustainability, including the maximization of the renovated building?s energy efficiency.
The new construction began on the four-acre site in May 2009 and added 4,000 square feet of additional meeting space; renovated classrooms and kitchens; installed an elevator; created landscaping that includes native species; and established an organic edible garden. Construction was completed in early 2010, with the building dedication held in September.
The following upgrades were included in the renovation:
-- Building design incorporating multi-use space, whereby rooms, including the sanctuary, were designed for multiple uses in order to minimize the increase in the building?s size.
-- Installation of a geothermal heating, cooling, and hot water system, reducing energy use by 30 to 40 percent compared to the best conventional systems. Individual geothermal units were placed in first-floor rooms, which double as meeting spaces and classrooms, allowing for very selective heating and cooling of the spaces, as required to minimize energy use.
-- Inclusion of extensive insulation in new building walls and installation of high efficiency windows.
-- Installation of energy efficient lighting and light controls in all rooms.
-- Installation of timers on parking lot lighting.
-- Use of ENERGY STAR appliances.
-- Installation of paddle fans in the sanctuary. Paddle fans are used throughout the year (downdraft during summer/cooling months; updraft during winter/heating months).
-- Training for key employees in the use and management of the new geothermal heating and cooling system.
Prior to the renovation, UUS:E had previously been designated as a Green Sanctuary by the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (UUMFE) and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in June of 2006. It was one of the first 50 congregations in the nation to be certified, and the first in Connecticut. To gain certification, the congregation went through a process that involved an environmentally focused evaluation of all aspects of congregational life, and the creation and completion of a 15-step action plan. With the completion of the recent renovation, UUS:E is in the process of completing recertification.
UUS:E works to incorporate ?green? thinking and actions into all areas of programming, including worship services, adult and youth religious education, recycling many types of items, purchasing recycled and earth-friendly supplies, composting, and growing an organic vegetable garden. UUS:E currently utilizes Connecticut Light and Power?s 100 Percent Clean Energy Option. An ecological landscaping team is currently working to restore, naturalize, and beautify the grounds.
Communications:
Unavailable
Testimonial:
?Congratulations to UUS:E on all their hard work to make their building more energy efficient. To a greener faith community and world.? -- Robin Nelson, Environmental Stewardship Manager, Unitarian Universalist Society East
Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by Unitarian Universalist Society East or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.
Building Owner:*
Unitarian Universalist Society East
Property Manager:*
Unitarian Universalist Society East
Year(s) Labeled (Rating):
2011 (97)
2013 (98)
Facility Type: Worship Facility
Total Floorspace: 12325 sf
Year Constructed: 1979
Contract Type: Single Turn-Key Contract
Financing Type: Loan
Technologies Used:
| Stage 1-Recommissioning |
| Stage 2-Lighting |
| Stage 3-Load Reductions |
| Stage 5-Heating and Cooling Plant |
| Other Technologies/Strategies |