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

I Believe We're Ready

Here's a selection of posters in place for this morning's Coffee & Donuts.
Compost and Recycling Signs in PAC at Coffee & Doughnuts 2012-09-23.

Biodegradable Cups for 60th Anniversary Celebration 10/6/12

Mustang Re-Connect Party Supports Sustainability

Numerous events within the St. Francis community marked the 60^th anniversary of our school’s founding in 1952. The All School Mass, dedication of our Peace Garden, Bishop Boyea’s concelebrated Mass with many past and present St. Francis priests and the Mustang Re-Connect Party all served to mark such an important and happy occasion. The 60^th Anniversary Organizing Committee made the Mustang Re-Connect Party even more memorable by making it the first major St. Francis evening event to actively support sustainability. The Committee chose to provide compostable soft drink, wine and coffee cups as well as compostable plates for all guests. Their foresight and commitment to sustainability prevented hundreds of Styrofoam cups, conventional paper cups and plates from delivery to the local landfill. Adding a wonderful note of generosity to the evening, an anonymous donor contributed all compostable products used for the Re-Connect Party. Thank you anonymous donor and 60^th Anniversary Organizing Committee!

(Written by Steve Lavender)

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St. Francis 60th anniversary effort team is the first to embrace the parish's efforts on sustainability.

Thanks to the anonymous donation from the "60th Team" for donating the Biodegradable Cups to the 60th anniversary event.

Hats off to the 60th anniversary team for supporting the sustainability initiative in the parish.   Sincerely,  -Colleen Pierce 

Ideally, your work will lead us to a place and time where sustainable actions become the norm for all St. Francis events. Thank you for demonstrating the parish's commitment to sustainability at such an important gathering.  -Steve Lavender

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Why BgreenToday?

St. Francis Parish shoppers, parishioners who are shopping for products to be used at St. Francis Parish events say: "I was quite pleased with Bgreen's customer service and pricing. The BGreen store's prices are not much more expensive than Gordon's or Sam's, etc. BGreen gives "St. Francis" (when purchasing products to be used for St Francis Parish events) a 5% discount. Of course, parishioners shopping for their personal use would not be entitled to the sales tax discount ..., but...

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