Enhancing Our Energy Efficiency:
You may have noticed that the Commons lights are now all in working order–on a dark day or at night, there is plenty of light in the Commons. The same is true all across the building! Following an energy audit by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), we elected to try to enhance Central’s energy efficiency. The project involved converting the light fixtures in the building from fluorescent to LED. This was done in several stages, and the last conversions will be completed before year end. The LED bulbs that were installed also opened the door to rebated through Georgia Power. Between the Georgia Power rebate and the Green Team’s successful grant with GIPL, roughly 20% of the project cost was rebated or grant-funded.
Our Aging HVAC Units
Central has 8 HVAC units, all but two are mounted on the roof. They were installed around 2001, and recently, the thermostat controls have become unreliable. In an effort to better manage our utility expenses, while also extending the life of our HVAC system, Trustees have contracted with a company that will provide regular maintenance and repairs. This same company made us aware of a Georgia Power(GP) pilot project for wi-fi enabled thermostats. We qualify for the program! GP will pay the full cost of the thermostats and their installation. As part of this program, GP will analyze and evaluate our electric costs and energy use for a full year. Afterwards, Central will assume the minimal cost of maintaining the thermostats.
But wait, there’s more!
No More Drip:
A recurring leak in one corner of the sanctuary should be fixed, finally. You may be unaware of the leak or its source–which was up on the roof near a junction of the gutter and exterior wall. More than once, a hard rain resulted in water pouring down, along the window aisle, and puddling in front of the pulpit. Previous repairs proved to be temporary, but recently, the commercial roof and gutter company sent an investigator who identified the problem and recommended a solution. The work has been done, and we look forward to a dry sanctuary floor when it rains.
Maintaining Our Pond:
We have been unable to find a volunteer to take on pond maintenance. This summer the prolonged and intense heat made for severe algae overgrowth. Combined with a pump failure, this made the pond very unattractive. We engaged the company that did work on the pond (Pond Pros) years ago to return and provide bimonthly maintenance and an annual clean out. With Pond Pros expert guidance and recommendations, we have gained an upper hand in keeping the pond in order. Todd and Mark are adding the necessary anti-algae treatments and also keeping up with leaf debris removal.
