FACS March 2024 Newsletter

Local climate solutions powered by faith communities.

Buildings UP Becomes POWER OF FAITH

Last October, FACS achieved a groundbreaking milestone, securing the Department of Energy's Buildings UP award. Since then, FACS has engaged with over 75 faith communities on a journey towards energy efficiency upgrades. We are now thrilled to unveil the new name of our program: POWER OF FAITH.

To learn more about POWER OF FAITH, join us Tuesday, March 26 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm EST via Zoom for our next webinar Money Talks: Financing Energy Efficiency Projects. We'll share options available to faith communities to finance energy efficiency projects. Register below. And for those faith communities eager to join this transformative effort, please contact Eric Goplerud at facsericg@gmail.com.

Introducing our POWER OF FAITH Matching Grant for Energy Efficiency

The FACS' POWER OF FAITH Matching Grant is an exciting initiative empowering congregations with up to $2,500 to supercharge their commitment to energy efficiency! Congregations match the grant amount for energy audits and other efficiency upgrades, doubling the impact of every dollar.

To qualify, congregations must have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FACS and have a Green Team or plan to start a Green Team. Priority will be given to congregations located in low-income communities and communities historically overburdened by pollution, ensuring that everyone benefits from cleaner, greener energy. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Ready to unlock the POWER OF FAITH? Email facsericg@gmail.com with any questions and take the first step towards a brighter, more sustainable future!

Nominate a Sustainability Champion!

The call for Sustainability Champion nominations is now open! Our annual Sustainability Champions Awards celebrate and recognize the contributions of individuals, faith communities, elected officials/public sector employees, and businesses in Northern Virginia. These individuals and organizations work tirelessly toward improving the environment, contributing to a healthy, livable climate, in our community!

Nominations are due by Friday, April 19. And please save the date Thursday, June 6 from 7 - 8 pm for the celebration!!

Nominate

Announcing the Audubon at Home Assessment Challenge for Faith Communities

FACS is on a mission to empower faith communities to embrace sustainability! This month, we're seeking ten faith communities to commit to conducting comprehensive assessments of their grounds through the Audubon At Home (AAH) program. Partnering with AAH and Plant NOVA Natives, we'll guide communities to receive personalized recommendations for a greener tomorrow.

Will your faith community be one of the ten to commit? Click here to learn more and request a site!

Remember to join our Tree of Life Community meetings, held every third Thursday of the month. Our next meeting is Thursday, March 21, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm EST via Zoom.

FACS Chosen as Finalist for the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards!

We are excited to announce that the FACS has been chosen as one of ten finalists for EcoActions's American Climate Leadership Awards 2024! Among many inspiring applicants, we are recognized for our efforts to motivate action on climate change in the face of escalating climate impacts, with 2023 marked as the hottest year on record. As a finalist, we will receive a $10,000 award, which will further our mission of promoting sustainability and resilience within our community.

A Special Month

This month's Nature Corner explores the unique opportunity presented by religious observances in March. These observances promote values such as stewardship, mindfulness, and responsibility toward the environment, providing a powerful lens through which to address environmental challenges.

Be sure to visit our online calendar to see when Hub monthly meetings happen, what FACS events are on the horizon, and what community events are being planned by other groups.

City of Alexandria Hub Updates

The Alexandria hub met with members of the City Council and School Board last month to discuss climate priorities in the budget, Alexandria City Public Schools, and the arena proposal. We'll continue these discussions in March and will speak up at key hearings. The Alexandria hub meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm. Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 pm online for an interactive joint session with the Arlington FACS hub exploring how each of us can individually and collectively in our congregations advance climate action.

Arlington County Hub Updates

In February, the Arlington Hub met with the new FACS Executive Director, Chris Topoleski. We learned about Chris' background and discussed with him opportunities for faith communities to enhance their energy performances via the funding FACS earned from the Department of Energy Building UP award.

Next month, for our March meeting, the Arlington and Alexandria Hubs will join for an interactive session focused on advancing our climate action, individually and collectively. We'll meet on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 pm (we always meet on the 1st Wednesday).

Fairfax County Hub Updates

Our advocacy continues! We met with Supervisor Walkinshaw and Environment staffer Andrea Levin in February, bringing them up to speed on Buildings UP, discussing the delayed appearance of the Green Bank, and more. Our teams will be meeting with more supervisors in the coming weeks.

At our Hub meeting, we heard from activists working on reducing food waste in FCPS, a church working with residents at the Kennedy Shelter to remove invasive plants together, and a new meadow project at Wolf Trap. Many people are highlighting the need to preserve our trees and parks. Others are planning a Repair Café for May.

At the March 21 Hub meeting, we’ll hear from Tom Fleetwood, Director of Housing and Community Development, on how the County is addressing energy efficiency goals. Bring your questions! Read how this hub is putting Faith into Action.

Loudoun Hub Updates

The Friends Acting for Climate Group, FACT, co-sponsored an Environmental Fair at Ashby Ponds Senior Living Community, Ashburn, VA. Thirty-four vendors were present and approximately 300 people were in attendance. Three petition letters to state assembly members were available: the letters were related to bills favoring greater oversight of data centers and protecting tree canopy. A total of 160 signatures were collected. Eric Goplerud and Jean Wright met with Rev. Caleb DeHart, Capital Community Church, Ashburn, regarding their application to the DOE’s Buildings Upgrade Program.

Central Valley Hub Updates

We have made progress in our effort to provide energy efficiency and solar installations for faith communities. Several congregations have contributed initial funds to support the effort, and we are in conversations with our local Islam Association about possibly putting solar installations on their mosque and a study center.

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FACS' Monthly Sustainability Tip

If it is time for one of your appliances to be replaced, consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR certified appliance to ensure you are getting the most energy efficient appliances possible! Here is a List of ENERGY STAR Energy Efficient Products, including appliances.