GREEN BUILDING OPTIONS REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

​In 2014, the Unitarian Church of Lincoln underwent a $2.5 million renovation project. The renovation aimed to reduce the congregation’s carbon footprint and live out the Unitarian Universalist 7th core principle: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

Improvements include a geothermal heating and cooling system, solar panels, LED lighting and improved insulation throughout. Seven principles guide the faith and its moral compass, said Seth, chairman of the church’s Green Sanctuary Committee. “As Unitarians, we believe climate change is the most pressing issue of our time. We believe that we are required by our faith to address it in whatever way we can,” Seth said.

Today, double thermal-pane windows and doors keep out the chill. One hundred solar panels are installed on the south-facing side of the roof. “Our goal was to expand and renovate our facility while maintaining or decreasing our total energy consumption,” Seth said. The church added 5,715 square feet, making the church a total of 16,100 square feet.

The Unitarian Church of Lincoln Green Sanctuary has been advising on the Mayor’s Environmental Task Force on Land Use, Water, Waste and Transportation since long before Lincoln committed to achieve a 26% greenhouse gas reduction below 2005 levels by 2025.  Individually, committee members have engaged with the coalition against the Keystone XL pipeline, they educate with the League of Conservation Voters, join forces with Interfaith Power and Light, and advance the goals of Citizen’s Climate Lobby. 

(Excerpts from Lincoln Journal Star Jan 23, 2015 and a Unitarian Universalist Ministry for the Earth (UUMFE) May 29, 2019)

Renovated Unitarian Church is more Earth-friendly • January 23, 2015 • By Erin Andersen • Lincoln Journal Star

Unitarian Universalist Church of Lincoln is Inspiring Example of Local Climate Commitment | Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (uumfe.org) May 20, 2019

BUILDING RENTAL INFO