Every year, hundreds of congregations sign-up to become a recognized Cool Congregation. What’s the big attraction? Cool Congregations express their love of Creation and their concern about global warming by being part of the solution. Cool Congregations strive for energy efficiency and conservation; use renewable energy; create climate-friendly grounds; and inspire people to do the same in their own homes and communities. Cool Congregations are in alignment with their denomination’s statement on climate change. In the process, they save money on energy bills and develop a closely knit community. Learn how to become a Cool Congregation by visiting www.coolcongregations.org. There is also a fall “Challenge” with cash prizes. Cool Congregations is a program of Interfaith Power & Light.

Building a Firm Foundation: A Creation-Friendly Building guide for Churches by the National Council of Churches‘ Eco-Justice Program is a guide that will help get you started using environmentally friendly and sustainable building practices whether you are involved in a new building project, renovation, or repairs. Each chapter discusses the theological and ecological importance of one aspect of green building, such as lighting, design, building materials, ventilation, landscaping, etc.

Bottom Line Ministries that Matter: Congregational Stewardship with Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Technologies by the National Council of Churches‘ Eco-Justice Program is a rather technical report on costs and savings by state for congregations investing in clean energy and energy efficiency, as well as the Christian and moral obligations to do so. 12 pages, useful and up-to-date.