This slideshow requires JavaScript.
During our Summer Donation Event, Pleasant Hill Community Church, United Church of Christ received more than $12,000 worth of donations for its geothermal installation project in less than TWO HOURS. This impressive fundraising effort — combined with the virtual event’s match — made this the fastest funded project in New Generation Energy history and solidified the church’s commitment to the environment.
Located in the small town of Pleasant Hill, Tenn. — population 563 — the church hopes its green project inspires other congregations in the area.
“We believe that we can not only fulfill our mission of a progressive Christian church … but also become an environmental showplace,” wrote Jean Clark, one of the church’s project coordinators.
Built in the late 1950s, Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC underwent renovations in 1995. It currently is in the process of adding a new wing, updating electrical appliances, and improving wall and roof insulation. The geothermal installation project will serve both the old and new constructions, and is expected to save the congregation $100,520 and 1,809,360 lbs of CO2.
Geothermal heat pumps — also known as ground source heat pumps — are the most efficient power HVAC systems on the market. By using the steady, all-season temperature of the earth a few meters below the surface, these pumps generate cool and hot air. And since the earth acts like a giant blanket, the benefits last for many years with minimal maintenance.
“In planning this addition to our church building, we were concerned to be as energy efficient as possible,” wrote project support, Pat Robbennolt. “We believe that we, who bear the image of God, have a significant responsibility to care for the earth. Geothermal energy seemed a natural way to express our concern.”
And Robbennolt wasn’t the only project supporter who wanted to help the environment. Many donors echoed her sentiments that this project goes beyond the church.
To learn more about this project — and to read more inspirational project supporter comments — check out the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC project page on our listing site.
