Greening the Aspen Chapel
In the spring of 2007, the Aspen Chapel inaugurated a program to reduce the carbon dioxide pollution from the Chapel and improve its environmental impact upon the Aspen Community and the world. We formulated a Green Team, made up of various Chapel constituents, and we have developed a plan, which is currently in process. The team meets roughly every 2-3 weeks to update our progress and assign tasks.
It has been a great process, and here is what we have achieved so far.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
- Light Bulb Replacement: Replacement of downstairs gallery floodlights with Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Flood lights, and the stairwell lights with CFL bulbs. The result is an estimated overall energy reduction of over 8,000 kilowatt hours per year, and an estimated annual savings of over $700 in energy costs. The new bulbs, although slightly more expensive, will last longer and will pay for themselves in roughly 2 to 5 months (the gallery floods were slightly more pricey and have a longer payback period). And, we like the quality of light better!
- Recycling Program: Our trash service provided us with a recycling trash receptacle at no charge, and we instituted a recycling program for glass, cans and plastic bottles. We are still evaluating the results, but the response has been great. We used a little humor by installing a sign on the inside receptacle that reminds users: “Let Us Recycle” and “Thou Shalt Recycle.”
- Eco-friendly paper & plastic: Check out our new 100% recycled toilet paper! We also have switched to 100% recycled office paper, with non-chlorine bleaching. As we run out, we will replace paper towels, cups and plates with more recycled and sustainable choices.
PROJECTS IN PROCESS
- Replacement of Kitchen Appliances: We plan to replace our current refrigerator, dishwasher and stove with Energy Star ® rated appliances. This will save us more in energy costs and emissions.
- Sealing up the Cracks: We have identified many leaks and cracks throughout the building and have a local handyman working to seal the windows, install fresh weather stripping on windows and doors, and install extra insulation where possible and applicable.
- Sanctuary Windows: Many of the single paned windows in the Sanctuary are stained glass, and replacement would be difficult. But these windows are a huge heat loss for the building. We are pursuing the possibility of installing insulating glass in large panels on the exterior to reduce heat loss.
- More Window replacement: We are getting bids to replace some single pane clear glass windows with insulated glass windows.
- Organ bellows: The motor for the organ bellows is located in the unheated space of the Chapel tower, blowing cold air into the Sanctuary every time the organist plays. We are planning to re-route the air intake so that it recirculates Sanctuary air instead of cold untempered air from the tower.
- More lighting replacements and motion detectors: We are planning to install CFLs in many outdoor lights and install motion detectors in some areas to further reduce our electricity demand.
FUTURE PROJECTS
- Blower Test: After the major holes have been sealed and insulated, perform a pressurized “blower test” of the building to find the areas where there is further leakage. This test will also help us to determine the overall airflow through the Chapel and will help us to plan the right size for a new boiler (see below!)
- Evaluate Heating System: Consider more efficient boiler and heat exchange system, including a Sealed Combustion Unit and Heat Recovery Ventilator. We are also considering the possibility of solar panels, or a geo-thermal heating system.
- Solar PV panels: Consider installation of solar photovoltaic panels for electricity production.
- Replace current non-green cleaning products: Most of the products are already “earth friendly,” but there are a few that need to be replaced with less toxic options.
- Landscaping: Evaluate fertilizers and herbicides: Consult with the landscaping service for the Chapel and arrange for organic products to be used.
- Recycling of office paper and other paper products: Expand the current recycling program to include office paper.
- Waterless urinals and dual-flush toilets could also be considered.
Our thanks to the Green Team members: Gregg Anderson, Alan Bush, Grantham Couch, Suzanne Farver, Laurie Green, Stephen Kanipe, Faith Leibell and Kim Peterson.
For more information about the Chapel Green Team, or to start your own Green Team, contact Suzanne Farver, email:
For more information about any Aspen Chapel event, please call 970.925.7184