Founded in 1950, the original wood frame church building was comprised of a combination sanctuary/fellowship hall, a 2-story education wing, and a kitchen with offices and library on the ground floor. In 2000, a new sanctuary was added, increasing the size of the facility by 40%. A new gas-fired hydronic boiler system was added for the addition alongside the original steam boiler, also gas-fired. The net results of all the improvements? St. Matthew's has reduced their carbon dioxide emissions by 22%. Comparing Fall/Winter '13–'14 to Fall/Winter '14–'15 heating costs, St. Matthew's cut annual heating costs by 19%, a reduction from $10,672 to $8,667. Further conservation efforts resulted in an 8% reduction in electricity demand.
In flood-prone Shelburne Falls, Trinity Church is turning its building into a climate resilience hub, adding solar, weatherization, heat pumps, EV chargers, and a commercial generator so it can shelter, power, and feed neighbors when disaster strikes.
Holy Trinity replaced its failing 1950s radiant heating system with modern high-efficiency boilers, smart zoning, and new in-floor radiant piping, cutting heating costs by 40%, reducing water use, and greatly improving comfort and reliability.
Boston Synagogue dramatically cut its carbon emissions and energy costs by replacing an outdated district steam system with efficient air-source heat pumps and other upgrades, reflecting both practical stewardship and the Jewish principle of tikkun olam.
