Science, Technology, Energy and Mines
In Your Community Facilities
An estimated 80 per cent of the energy used in places of worship and community centres in Manitoba is used for heating. To reduce heat loss, try these simple projects: caulk, weather-strip, and insulate. Perhaps easiest of all, set back your thermostat when the building is empty, or install a programmable thermostat that you can program to set back automatically.
- Do an Energy Audit. You can do it yourself with a walk-through audit using Manitoba Hydro's "Improving the Energy Efficiency of Your Religious Building with Power Smart" booklet. You can also book a more thorough assessment with Manitoba Hydro or through an engineering firm.
- Buy a tankless hot water heater. These units only heat water when you have the hot water tap on. They will pay for themselves over time through energy cost savings.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use far less energy than regular incandescent light bulbs and last for years.
- Use 100 per cent recycled toilet paper, tissue and paper towels. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. Choose office paper that is 100 per cent recycled with at least 75-80 per cent post-consumer recycled content.
- Carpool, bus, walk, bike or roll to your place of prayer and community facilities. Manitobans need more exercise and motor vehicles create about one third of all greenhouse gases in our province.
- Add bicycle racks to encourage active transportation.
- Post an anti-idling sign where people park their vehicles to reduce emissions and improve air quality near your site. Climate Change Connection provides “Healthy Communities Don’t Idle” traffic signs free of charge to encourage the reduction of unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
Predictions and analysis on this page were excerpted from:
Climate Change Connection Manitoba
Additional Resources
Manitoba Hydro Religious Buildings Initiative is designed to provide religious facilities with information, assessment expertise, and financial support to reduce their energy costs. For an energy audit or more information, call Manitoba Hydro 204-474-3311, or visit
www.hydro.mb.ca
Energy Development Initiative
This site provides information on Manitoba's agri-energy sector and Green Building policy.
For help in organizing a greener transportation program in your community facility, contact Resource Conservation Manitoba at (204) 925-3772 or visit: http://www.resourceconservation.mb.ca/
