RECTORY ENERGY AUDIT by Dave Barera for October 7 Forum

 RECTORY ENERGY AUDIT

In participation with the St. Francis Sustainability Project and the Better Buildings For Michigan (BBFM) program, Fr. Jim recently requested an Energy Audit for his home.

In early September, Ms. Green Construction owner April Rue, a St. Francis parishioner, performed a detailed energy audit at the Rectory. A written report summarized her recommendations, with the most significant being:

(1)   The rectory is a well sealed building.  Reduced air leakage enhances heating and cooling efficiency. To facilitate circulation, reduce humidity and improve the building's overall thermal profile, a solar-powered fan (about $300 plus installation) was recommended for the attic.

(2)   All incandescent bulbs should be replaced with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

(3)   Low-flow shower heads should be used in all applications and aerators installed on all rectory faucets.

(4)   Foam-rubber insulation should be installed on all basement water pipes, both hot and cold.

(5)   Foundation openings around outdoor spigots should be sealed with spray foam insulation.

That's it……nothing critical or overwhelming.  Our maintenance staff is already working on some recommendations and a contractor will install the solar vent fan this fall.  Replacing the aging furnace and air conditioning systems with higher efficiency models will result in further savings. The BBFM program provides financial incentives to facilitate such upgrades.  Ms. Green estimated that Rectory utility costs could effectively be reduced by as much as one-third with these changes. We will do all we can to realize these savings.  Stay tuned for future news as our efforts progress!

All St. Francis parishioners will have the opportunity to request energy audits and participate in the Better Buildings For Michigan program. Four local energy specialists will come to the PAC for meetings with interested parishioners after the 8:45 and 10:30 Masses on Sunday, October 14 and 21. All four energy contractors have met the high performance requirements of the Better Buildings program. Look for more details in today's and next week's Forum.

Dave Barera, Parish Business Manager