Holy Trinity was an early adopter of in-floor radiant heating. Built in 1959, the structure had in-floor radiant in its sanctuary and the lower-level hall and classrooms. By monitoring its utility use (including water), the congregation realized that water use was going up, with no good explanation. With the help of good forensic engineers, they concluded that there was a leak in the heating system. It was traced to the sanctuary. They found that some of the steel piping used at the time was not encased in concrete, but was exposed to the soil. As a result, the pipes rusted from outside in, and failed.
The congregation decided that it was important to make good decisions about the replacement system, both radiation and generation. With the help of skilled mechanical engineers and congregation members with construction knowledge, it was decided to replace the sanctuary heating with contemporary, more reliable in-floor radiant and to replace the 1959 boiler with the most efficient available equipment.
The sanctuary was cleared, with the placement of pews carefully plotted for replacement without penetrating any new radiation piping. Old concrete was removed. New “plastic” piping was installed with distribution to multiple loops through two manifolds, one for each side of the sanctuary. (Photo at left.) Programmable digital thermostats were installed for each heating zone in the building.
Three high efficiency (93%+) gas-fired condensing mode boilers were installed, with digital controls including one that senses outside temperature. The three boilers permit rotation, extending the life of all boilers and ensuring that the building is never without heat because of boiler failure. The boilers serve several zones, each separately controlled.
The congregation reports about a 40% drop in cost for heating, and a reduction in water use. Importantly, the sanctuary reaches desired temperature in about 90 minutes, and sometimes as little as 30 minutes. Heat is even throughout the space, resulting in happy and warm worshippers.
St. Matthew's United Methodist Church improved insulation, sealed leaks, promoted energy-saving behaviors, and added solar lighting, cutting heating costs by 19%, electricity use by 8%, and overall carbon emissions by 22%.
Temple Beth Shalom in Needham has cut its energy use and carbon footprint through major building upgrades, efficient heating and lighting, waste reduction, and active environmental education and engagement within its community.
Since 2006, the church has reached its goal of Net Zero Energy Use, cutting total energy use by 70%, eliminating its carbon footprint, and saving $17,000 a year through conservation, efficiency upgrades, and solar power.
