MassIPL designed the ESA for the unique characteristics of houses of worship

Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light has conducted almost 300 Environmental Stewardship Assessments for congregations of many traditions, sizes, and architectural styles. We invite people to join us on a “pilgrimage to the boiler room,” and then offer clear analysis and detailed recommendations about improving energy efficiency and implementing building improvements regardless of budget.

Our recommendations are more detailed and actionable because of our approach and experience:

• Holistic: The report answers each of the 24 Questions for Environmental Stewardship to cover the four main areas of energy usage: Behavior, Electricity, Heating, Building Envelope.

• Relevant: Houses of worship are different than other building types and our recommendations account for these differences 

• Understandable: We avoid technical jargon and use clear language to describe conditions and recommend actions. 

• Collaborative: We follow up the report with conversations with leaders of the congregation to answer questions, provide guidance, and communicate findings to the congregation at large.

Our fees for Environmental Stewardship Assessments are modest and are “sliding scale” based on the house of worship budget:

• Budgets under $200K: $350

• Budgets between $200-450K: $595

• Budgets over $450K: $995

Houses of worship who have acted on the recommendation in their ESA have reduced their carbon emissions -- and energy costs -- up to 50%. See our Congregation Success Stories.

Zero Carbon Assessment Update

If your house of worship has had an ESA in the past, MassIPL offers an update that lays out a path for your house of worship to achieve the goals that the state of Massachusetts is pursuing: 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. These goals require additional focus on the building envelope and different approaches to heating and hot water than we have recommended in the past.

Our fees for the Zero Carbon Assessment Update also follow a “sliding scale” based on the house of worship budget:

• Budgets under $200K: $200

• Budgets between $200-450K: $300

• Budgets over $450K: $500

To learn more about the MassIPL Environmental Stewardship Assessment, or to schedule one for your house of worship, email esa@MassIPL.org.