Welcome to Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light

Houses of worship leave a notable environmental imprint.

Houses of Worship

Per capita, per hour of use, they're often among the biggest wasters of energy, and the United States has more houses of worship than any other country!

Many congregations recognize the moral imperative for stewardship, but don't always stand on the moral "high ground" when it comes to actual energy usage. We need to become better stewards and, in the process, encourage and inspire our congregants to do better at home, school, and work.

Membership in MIP&L offers a concrete way to put faith into action. Together, we will work toward environmental justice and care of creation. We will be a powerful religious response to global warming and environmental degradation!

If we don't, who will?

STEM for This Old House of Worship

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Savings Through Energy Management, a 15-hour program for congregations that teaches the skills needed to reduce energy consumption in their homes and houses of worship. STEM is taught in 5 three-hour sessions, with each session meeting in a different house of worship. At least 5 and as many as 10 congregations join in the training.

The STEM program covers all building energy systems. Participants learn how to use professional equipment to test and measure the components of their buildings, and calculate the energy and fuel to be saved by implementing sound practices. The program also includes information on utility rebates.

In Massachusetts, STEM is sponsored by MIP&L. When you are ready to participate, or if you have any questions, contact us at MIPandL@MIPandL.org.

SUCCESS STORIES

All Steamed Up?

Boston Synagogue was all steamed up, not just about climate change but especially about its cost (in $s and environmental impact) for using steam to heat its building. Boston Synagogue (also known as Charles River Park Synagogue) is a small, lay-led synagogue located in the heart of the Old West End near Massachusetts General Hospital. The building was constructed in 1971. It is a single-story structure, with a dramatic pitched "skylight" roof over the Sanctuary.

The result? In the first year, costs were down 27% even though degree days were up nearly 5%. CO2 emissions were down 20%.

Read the full and very detailed case study by clicking here (PDF).

SUPPORT MIP&L

Your support helps more faith communities take action to fight climate change

To donate, click on the button and you will be directed to the donation page at PayPal

JOIN MIP&L

Click here to learn how your congregation can join almost 200 other Massachusetts faith communities in pledging to protect creation

Click here for past newsletters

SEARCH MIP&L

FIVE FAST FIXES

This month's EES provide 5 actions you can do now for little or no money – and without hiring a professional. Each one of these actions saves a little bit on some of the biggest energy users in your home or house of worship. With just a few minutes of effort you may reduce your energy consumption by 10% or more.

Click here to learn how!

Find MIP&L on Facebook!

We've just started a Facebook group and we encourage you to join us. Click here or on the logo to access our group page.

Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light is a non-profit organization that provides a faith based response to climate change by promoting energy efficiency, environmental justice, green job training, and policies that will lead to a sustainable future.