The first and biggest improvement most buildings can make to lower bills, get better comfort, and reduce climate pollution.
For most Massachusetts houses of worship, the single most effective step toward lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint is also the most overlooked: weatherization. Sealing and insulating the gaps in walls, windows, doors, and roofs can make your building more comfortable, lower utility bills by up to 20%, and reduce your congregation's carbon footprint. It's a meaningful, practical way to put shared values into action — and right now, your utility company may even pay for the whole thing.
Mass Save is a statewide energy efficiency program administered by Massachusetts utility companies including Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, and Cape Light Compact. It's funded by a small charge already on every utility bill in the state, which means most houses of worship contribute more into the program than they ever get back. For a limited time, certain providers are covering up to 100% of the cost of air sealing and insulation for eligible houses of worship. There's no better moment to take advantage of a benefit your congregation has been funding for years.
MassIPL has partnered with houses of worship across Massachusetts to help congregations lower their energy bills, improve their facilities, and reduce their environmental impact — typically at no cost. We're a network of more than 250 congregations across the Commonwealth, and we've helped houses of worship qualify for millions of dollars in Mass Save incentives.
We walk you through every step:
Curious whether your house of worship qualifies? We'd love to hear from you. Email info@massipl.org or reach out through our contact page and we'll take it from there.
What does this cost us?
Most houses of worship qualify for up to 100% coverage, meaning no cost to you. In some cases the incentive covers 80–90%, and if you don't qualify for full coverage, there's no obligation to do the work.
What's the first step?
You let us know you're interested and share a point of contact. Our insulation partner will then reach out—usually within a week or so—to schedule an assessment.
What happens during the assessment?
An energy specialist tours your building, including attic and basement areas, so have any keys handy if those spaces are usually locked. Each building takes about 1½ - 2 hours.
What should we have ready?
A recent electric bill, a recent gas bill, and your state sales tax exemption certificate (ST-2). Having these on hand speeds things up.
Does a parsonage or other building qualify?
Yes! Additional buildings are eligible too. If they have separate utility accounts, just have copies of each building's bills ready. You can schedule different buildings at times that work for you.
What happens after the assessment?
Our partner submits the proposed work to Mass Save for incentive approval, which typically takes a few weeks. Once approved, they'll send you a proposal showing the incentive amount for your signature. After you sign and return it, they'll schedule the work — and handle the rest.
Who is MassIPL?
We're a nonprofit network of more than 250 houses of worship across Massachusetts, helping faith communities care for creation and address climate change. We can guide you through the whole process from start to finish. Our website is massipl.org.
Learn how an Environmental Stewardship Assessment can help your congregation change the environmental impact of your physical building and live out your values at the same time.
See how houses of worship across Massachusetts are cutting emissions, costs, and carbon footprints.
