For church administrators, balancing church energy efficiency with upfront costs and long-term savings can be challenging. However, with proper planning and smart building strategies, churches can lower their energy consumption, reduce maintenance costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Ground elevation plays a crucial role in energy efficiency and building durability. According to Albert R. Luper of Worship Concepts, “The ground elevation can almost never go too high. But it can go too low. If the ground elevation is too low you will always have moisture problems, which means rot and mold.” For large churches with concrete flooring, keeping floors at least 12 inches above grade ensures proper air circulation and moisture control. Luper says, “A wood floor should go 20 inches or higher above grade.”

Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while minimizing energy costs. “You are always struggling with thermodynamics,” says Luper. Insulation should meet high R-value standards, such as R-19 for walls and R-22 or higher for advanced methods like Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). In steel structures, insulation around metal sheeting is critical to preventing condensation and rust, ensuring long-term building integrity. Doug Mattox of Mattox Construction, Inc., adds, “Instead of placing the brick veneer directly next to metal sheeting, we recommend building a six-inch stud wall for the exterior wall and insulating it properly.”

Modern techniques such as ICF and Concrete Form Masonry (CFM) improve insulation efficiency while maintaining durability. “This method is in the R-22 insulation range and is very efficient,” says Dale R. Yoder of Cornerstone Design Architects.

Churches with large structures benefit from steel trusses over wood due to durability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, a “cool roof” design, incorporating heat-reflective pigments, helps reduce heat absorption, extending the roof’s lifespan and lowering cooling costs. Proper insulation, such as dense polystyrene boards, further enhances efficiency. Jim Peckham of VP Buildings notes, “You don’t need to worry about painting it for 20 years, and maintenance costs are considerably reduced.”

Reflective insulated glass and daylight analysis strategies can maximize natural light while minimizing energy costs. “Look at the positioning of the building so you have glass east and west to take most advantage of natural lighting,” says Brady Eggleston of Century Builders.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems significantly impact energy efficiency. Geoexchange systems, which use underground temperatures for heating and cooling, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional HVAC. “We do large churches and wind up zoning buildings—using a split system rather than a central plant for heating and cooling,” says Eggleston.

Upgrading to LED lighting reduces electricity use by up to 80%. Reflective ceiling colors and well-placed fixtures further enhance efficiency. Implementing an energy management system, ranging from basic programmable thermostats to automated Internet-based controls, optimizes energy use while reducing costs. “A moderately priced system might cost $15,000, but a really good control system that runs on the Internet can cost from $25,000 to $40,000,” says Luper.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification promotes energy-efficient building standards. Many churches are adopting these guidelines to improve sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term savings. “There’s a huge effort in the United States for ‘green buildings,’ which are environmentally friendly and have a long-term sustainability,” says Peckham.

Churches can lower energy expenses by upgrading insulation, using energy-efficient lighting, and optimizing HVAC systems with smart zoning controls.

LED lighting reduces electricity usage, lowers maintenance costs, and generates less heat, decreasing cooling demands.

Yes, churches may qualify for federal and state energy grants. Visit energy.gov to explore funding options.

Solar panels reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy sources, providing long-term savings and environmental benefits.

By implementing these energy-efficient strategies, churches can reduce operational costs, improve sustainability, and create a more comfortable worship environment for their communities.

This article originally appeared in Your Church magazine. It has since been optimized to allow a better reading experience using artificial intelligence tools.