We are still very much interested in making this a “Green” project and sustainable building. Solar hot water will cost no more to install but almost nothing to own! More efficient inside lighting and LED/solar lighting out will cost slightly more up front but will allow a quick payback and, after a few years, cost only a small fraction to operate. Air conditioning is a big portion of our utility bill but by making some smart decisions with window quality and placement, landscape shading, building insulation and other passive options as well as choosing the most efficient machinery we can afford we can be pretty “Green” here, too.
One area where we can take big steps is in roof-top solar cells to provide a large portion of our energy needs. This helps us not only with electricity directly from the sun but, by using less from FP&L, we drop to a lower billing rate. This route will require a significant upfront cost but will qualify us for large federal and state grants. After a payback period of about 8 years, we get another 25 years of “free” energy from the sun!
We need help in affording this one in the form of a short term loan. This could be structured as a business venture with financial advantages for both the church and her partner. There are churches in the area that are already following this path. If this sounds interesting, please contact Ric Filer at 561-248-1355 for more information.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Soon... soon.
Just in case you were wondering when you would see work start on the narthex; the answer is - not yet but soon. Plans have been submitted to the city for approval and are being given to various subcontractors for quotes.
We have long needed more easily accessible bathrooms, with two being added to the narthex we won’t have to walk past the altar if nature calls anymore… One of the things still to be decided is the floor. We are looking at various materials that include a labyrinth like the one in the Duncan Center Chapel. Lighting, light colors and more windows will make the room seem brighter and more welcoming. You will see a big difference not only on the inside but in the landscaping and circle in front. The circle will move east, get slightly larger and there will be a paved sidewalk in front of the church.
We'll keep you posted.
Ric Filer
We have long needed more easily accessible bathrooms, with two being added to the narthex we won’t have to walk past the altar if nature calls anymore… One of the things still to be decided is the floor. We are looking at various materials that include a labyrinth like the one in the Duncan Center Chapel. Lighting, light colors and more windows will make the room seem brighter and more welcoming. You will see a big difference not only on the inside but in the landscaping and circle in front. The circle will move east, get slightly larger and there will be a paved sidewalk in front of the church.
We'll keep you posted.
Ric Filer
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