Green Sanctuary

UUSSD_Green_Sanctuary_01
UUSSD_Green_Sanctuary_02The goal of the Unitarian Universalist Association Green Sanctuary Program is to help bring congregational culture into greater alignment with long-term, environmentally-aware faith and practices. The program is based on a framework of four focus areas:

Green Sanctuary Goals

  • Build awareness of the significance and complexity of environmental issues
  • Encourage personal lifestyle changes consistent with our UU Seventh Principle
  • Engage in community action on environmental issues
  • Strengthen the connection between spiritual practice and Earth consciousness
  • Work to heal environmental injustices

Other Green Initiatives

UUSD’s New Home

In September 2015, we moved into our new facility on Lewes Georgetown Highway in Lewes. We converted an existing home into office and meeting space, classrooms, and a Gathering Area. We also added a 3,000 square foot sanctuary where we hold our Sunday services as well as other events. Throughout the construction planning, our goal was to make the building as energy efficient as possible.

New Building Energy Features

  • Net zero energy consumption
  • High R-value insulation
  • 105 solar panels on the roof
  • High SEER heat pumps and programmable thermostats
  • Energy efficient and tankless water heaters
  • Two-flush, water-saving toilets and waterless urinals
  • LED lighting and optimization of natural light
  • Low-E double-paned windows
  • Daylight sensors on exterior lights
  • Energy remediation steps in existing house

Cool Congregation Award

In 2018, UUSD was awarded the national Cool Congregation designation by the Interfaith Power and Light organization in “recognition of exemplary efforts to make significant greenhouse gas reductions.”

Certified Wildlife Habitat

UUSD has also been designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. This certification recognizes UUSD’s commitment to our 7th UU Principle, “respect for the interdependent web of all existence.” Read more about this award and UUSD’s commitment to these principles.

Designing Sustainable Gardens

UUSSD_Green_Sanctuary_03NOTE: The UUSD Landscape Team continues to be inspired by the work the UDel students did on behalf of UUSD and are thrilled that young people are dedicating their lives to helping the planet by adopting sustainable landscaping practices.  As funds, time, and people power are available, we are incorporating the spirit and, in many cases, the details of their wonderful plan.

UUSD’s Landscape Management Committee and the University of Delaware Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture Program worked together in 2016 to begin planning sustainable garden areas for our church property. Maggie Heffernan, a Lewes resident in the L/A program, did an internship with UUSD under the supervision of Associate Professor Anna Wik. On December 16, 2016 members of the UUSD Landscape Management Committee heard Maggie and several of her classmates present their garden design concepts. We were absolutely astounded at the wonderful presentation! Continued

Joining Delaware Interfaith Power and Light

UUSSD_Green_Sanctuary_04In January 2012, UUSD became the first Delaware congregation to join the newly formed DE Interfaith Power and Light (DeIPL). The mission of DeIPL is to mobilize a religious response to climate change by promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation to ensure a livable planet for ourselves and future generations. John Sykes, a member of our congregation, is the President of DeIPL. One of their offerings is a home energy audit workshop, developed by our Green Sanctuary Program for our congregation. Visit the DeIPL website for additional information about the program.