Mission Green Project Update

Now that the Good Shepherd Carbon Neutral Initiative has been completed, we can see more of the future regarding our energy usage.

We previously received Energy Star certification in 2012. That is now quite dated, and a new recertification request is underway. Energy Star doesn't have a "Net Zero/Carbon Neutral" rating yet, but they are in the process of creating one. When it is available, we will apply.

Good Shepherd electric bills from Alliant have averaged $22.47 per month! This amount reflects the hook-up fee for the meter. We receive 110% net metering and send the excess energy we produce to the grid. There, it is "banked" to be used by Good Shepherd when the sun's energy is lower (wintertime). We have already "banked" 14,520 kWh hours….enough for several winter months! Additionally, there is no gas bill since we removed all gas furnaces and the meter in January 2023.

We have had questions about the option of being totally "off the grid." Keeping our meter connected with Alliant allows us to store all energy produced without a battery storage system. Using net metering on the grid is currently the most efficient path.

Efforts by Mission Green and Good Shepherd have recently been recognized by Interfaith Power and Light, a national organization whose mission is to encourage people of faith to work towards a sustainable energy future. The highest recognition of "100% CO2 Reduction" was given.

You may read the article about our project on their website:

https://interfaithpowerandlight.org/coolcongregations/good-shepherd-lutheran-church/  

We received a certificate suitable for framing, window clings to place at our entrances, and a bamboo plaque that will be displayed. Here is Pr. Amy accepting the plaque and certification on behalf of the congregation:

Mission Green has been invited to present on the Good Shepherd Carbon Neutral Initiative at several upcoming events. Jim will provide guided tours of the Good Shepherd facility on October 7th from 1-4 p.m. as a part of the national Interfaith Power and Light National Solar Tour. There will also be a virtual tour component listed on their website.

Jim will also be a presenter for a national Heat Pump/Solar webinar hosted by Interfaith Power and Light on October 25th.

On November 8th, Jim and Liz will be presenters at the Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency's (IAEE) "Iowa Energy Summit," where they will speak on facility innovation with renewable energy. 

https://www.iowaenergy.org/en/iowa_energy_summit/about_the_summit__more_info/

We recently hired a drone operator to capture the "big picture" of the Good Shepherd Carbon Neutral project. A video will be produced, with voiceovers, explaining what Good Shepherd Church has done over time to become Carbon Neutral. When completed, we'll upload and provide YouTube links to the Mission Green and Good Shepherd Church websites.

(photo credits: Nick Chill Photography)

To save the congregation money and avoid watering, we will restore the backyard grass and plant the pollinator prairie using a "dormant seeding" technique. In this method, the hydroseeding is done after the ground temperature is lower than 50 degrees. No germination will occur this fall, but with cooler temperatures and more moisture in the spring, the seeding will jump to life. This dormant seeding process will likely happen during late October/early November.

Thanks for your continued support!

Jim and Liz Fritz

Mission Green LLC

Questions/concerns? Contact Jim and Liz at: missiongreen@icloud.com

Information about the Carbon Neutral Initiative for Good Shepherd can be found here:

• Good Shepherd’s website: www.goodshepherddecorah.org/missiongreen/
• Jim and Liz’s website: www.missiongreen.llc