Across Georgia, faith communities are stepping up to care for both their congregations and the planet. Houses of worship often serve as the heart of their neighborhoods—spaces where people gather for prayer, meals, community service, and connection. But these same spaces can also be energy-intensive, with large sanctuaries, aging HVAC systems, and rising utility costs.
That’s where Drawdown Georgia Congregations comes in. This initiative, spearheaded by Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL), is designed to integrate practical climate solutions into the missions and daily operations of houses of worship. Faith communities across Georgia are invited to live out their values—stewardship, justice, and care for creation—by taking real, local action on climate change
Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Faith Communities
Energy efficiency is one of the 20 Drawdown Georgia climate solutions in the Buildings & Materials sector, under the category of “retrofitting.” Worship spaces that invest in efficiency not only cut carbon emissions, but also save money—funds that can then be redirected to mission-driven programs like food pantries, youth ministries, and outreach efforts.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy costs are typically the second-highest operational expense for houses of worship, right after personnel. By addressing inefficiencies—such as poor insulation, outdated lighting, or inefficient HVAC systems—faith communities can lower their bills while modeling stewardship and sustainability for their members.
GIPL’s program director, Hannah Shultz, joins a Power-Wise energy audit at the Carter Center in Atlanta.
For congregations that are ready to take action and improve energy efficiency, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light’s Power-Wise program is helping. Designed specifically for congregations, Power-Wise provides professional energy audits, guidance on cost-effective upgrades, and access to financing that makes efficiency projects possible for faith communities of all sizes.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church: An Energy Efficiency Case Study
One inspiring example of the Power-Wise program in action comes from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Atlanta. After conducting a professional energy audit, the church identified several opportunities to reduce waste and improve comfort for its parishioners.
By implementing key upgrades, including LED lighting retrofits and HVAC improvements, the church lowered its annual energy use significantly. These changes not only reduced emissions but also made the worship space brighter and more welcoming—all while saving the congregation thousands of dollars each year.
As GIPL notes in their case study, these savings allowed the church to reinvest in ministries that directly serve their community. It’s a powerful reminder that energy efficiency is not just about buildings—it’s about supporting the people who gather inside them.
Energy Efficiency Steps Any Congregation Can Take
Faith communities don’t need to start with a large budget to make meaningful progress. ENERGY STAR estimates that congregations can save up to 30% on energy bills through no-cost actions, strategic investment, and smart operations and maintenance.
GIPL’s organizing director, Marqus Cole, visits a house of worship in Adel, Georgia, to meet with local faith leaders and examine the results of recent energy audits. This project is made possible through a partnership with Concerned Citizens of Cook County, with funding from a Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant.
Examples of immediate, low-cost actions include:
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Switching to LED lighting – This simple upgrade can reduce lighting costs by up to 75%.
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Adjusting thermostats – Even small changes in heating and cooling schedules can generate big savings in large spaces.
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Conducting a professional audit – GIPL’s Power-Wise program offers expert guidance tailored to worship facilities.
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Engaging the congregation – Encourage members to adopt sustainable practices at home and to volunteer with church greening efforts.
ENERGY STAR also offers a variety of energy efficiency resources for communities of faith, including a free Energy Efficiency Toolkit for Congregations, a project checklist, a free energy and water Portfolio Manager, and more.
Energy Efficiency Resources and Funding from GIPL
For communities of faith that are ready to take the next step, larger investments such as HVAC upgrades, solar panels, or weatherization projects can significantly reduce emissions and operating costs. Many of these projects are eligible for grants, rebates, or financing support through partners like GIPL.
Rebates on Efficient Lighting and HVAC for Communities of Faith
GIPL has partnered with Encentiv Energy’s UtilityGenius program to provide a commercial storefront where congregations served by Georgia Power can purchase discounted LED lighting and other energy-efficient products with instant rebates. The program offers energy-saving products at the lowest possible price, helping communities of faith to see a return on their investment more quickly.
Power-Wise Matching Grants
GIPL also offers a Power-Wise matching grant program that provides up to $7,000 annually to congregations to support energy efficiency projects within faith communities. Any congregation or faith-based nonprofit that has had a professional energy audit within the past 5 years is eligible to apply for funding to help pay for energy efficiency retrofits. Applications for the 2025 grant are open until November 15th.
The Broader Impact of Energy-Efficient Improvements
Faith leaders often frame energy stewardship as a spiritual practice—a way of living out the call to care for creation. By reducing emissions, congregations also improve local air quality, lower energy burdens, and set a visible example of sustainability in their neighborhoods.
These projects ripple outward: a single congregation’s decision to go green can inspire members to make changes in their own homes, businesses, or civic life. In this way, faith communities play a critical role in advancing climate solutions across Georgia.
Get Involved in GIPL’s Power-Wise Program
If your congregation is ready to explore energy efficiency, GIPL’s Power-Wise program offers expert support every step of the way, from audits to financing to implementation.
Click the button below to learn how your faith community can join other Georgia congregations in reducing emissions, saving money, and caring for creation through energy efficiency and other climate solutions.
