A Faith-Based Organization Taking Action on Climate Change
Vermont Interfaith Power & Light (VTIPL) works to help members of Vermont's faith and spiritual communities understand that the climate crisis, which is threatening the world, is at heart a spiritual crisis. This spiritual crisis demands recognition that Earth is a precious gift; that global climate change is a moral challenge which is disrupting the natural balance; that we live our faith through our actions; and that there is no peace without a planet.
VTIPL seeks to empower members of faith and spiritual communities to advocate for our Earth and future generations. We help people take action in their houses of worship, homes, and workplaces to conserve energy, use it efficiently, and increase the use of renewable energy.
More than 75 partnering faith communities across Vermont
$270,000 distributed through our Climate Action Grants
VTIPL Seeking New Board Members
We’re excited to announce several openings on our Board of Directors! If you have a passion for affecting climate change, and a religious or spiritual connection to Earth stewardship, we’d love to speak with you.
Our board consists of active and dedicated community members who work to empower environmental advocacy, educate faith communities about caring for creation, and take action to ensure the health and well-being of our human and natural communities.
If you would like to learn more, please email Board President Ron McGarvey at [email protected].
Information about our current board and its work can be found below on our About Us page.
A detailed description of the position of a Board Member can be downloaded here:
Climate Change in Vermont calls us to reaffirm our commitment to caring for our shared home. Learn more about our ongoing programs and ways of getting involved below!
Our Ongoing Programs
Eco-Spiritual Practices & Programs
Watershed Stewardship Manuals
Vermont Interfaith Power & Light joined with local organizations to create a model for faith-based watershed stewardship, based on the experience of Ascension Lutheran Church in South Burlington, Vermont. The Reverend Dr. Nancy Wright, pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, and Richard Butz, a member of the church, are co-authors of the manuals.
We are pleased to offer two versions of the manual: one with a Christian emphasis (“Congregational Watershed Discipleship Manual: Faith Communities as Stewards of the World’s Waters”), and another with an interreligious emphasis (“Congregational Watershed Manual: Religious Communities as Stewards of the World's Waters”).
We have high-resolution print copies available to congregations, through Pastor Nancy Wright. Contact her at [email protected].
Energy Efficiency
Climate Action Grants
We offer grants to faith communities who are seeking to lower the carbon footprint of their buildings and structures. This program is made possible by the Ellie Cressey Webster Memorial Fund, the Katy Gerke Memorial Fund, and the generosity of those who have provided financial support for these funds.
Climate Action Grants are available to faith and spiritual communities across Vermont and in twelve New Hampshire towns. The stipulations for the program and its availability are described on our Grants page.
Recent grants:
St Michael's Episcopal, Brattleboro: grant for heat pumps to displace oil fired heating system
Ascension Lutheran, South Burlington: grant for heat pumps in the preschool area
Old Brick Church, East Montpelier: grant for energy efficient lighting
Shelburne United Methodist Church: grant for replacement windows
Good Shepherd Lutheran, Jericho: grant for energy efficient lighting
United Church of Dorset & East Rupert: grant for replacement windows
Energy Assessments
Vermont Interfaith Power & Light provides energy assessments for houses of worship and other religious buildings. This service is free to Vermont faith communities, though we encourage participating congregations to commit to using the resulting recommendations to guide their ongoing efforts to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. Our climate action grants provide opportunities to do so! Send an email to [email protected] for more information.
Residential Guide for Clean Heating
A new, free guide produced for the Vermont Public Service Department is now available to help homeowners navigate the process of heating and cooling their homes with clean energy. Look for detailed information on our Resources page
Vermont Interfaith Power & Light Applauds Ascension Lutheran Church for National Energy Saving Award
Vermont Interfaith Power & Light applauds Ascension Lutheran Church in South Burlington for winning the top Energy Saver award of National Interfaith Power & Light’s Cool Congregations Campaign for the congregation’s many upgrades over multiple years cutting their energy use and preventing 40 tons of carbon emissions annually.
Ascension Lutheran was a founding member of VTIPL, and through the leadership of its retired pastor, The Rev. Dr. Nancy Wright and members of its Care for Creation Committee, including VTIPL Board members Richard Butz and Sam Swanson, Ascension achieved significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. National IPL congratulates Ascension Lutheran for its long-term dedication to leave a livable climate for future generations. Ascension Lutheran’s congregation considers their energy upgrade work a legacy to their children and grandchildren. Over 17 years, the Church has reduced its carbon footprint by 60% through energy-saving measures: upgrading lighting, heating and cooling, and ventilation systems; insulating the buildings; and purchasing solar from Bristol Community Solar. Central to the congregation’s ministry, they are known as a Creation Stewardship Congregation.
“The New England Synod is delighted that Ascension Lutheran Church has been selected as a Cool Congregation. The people of Ascension have long been leaders among our Lutheran congregations in matters of environmental action and advocacy. Our faith calls us to deep relationship with all of creation, inviting us into partnership with God in tending the fragile place we call home,” according to Rev. Steven Wilco, Associate to the Bishop, New England Synod, ELCA.
Another Way to Make Your Voice Heard
Visit this site to design a postcard which they will send to your senators, representatives, and the governor, urging them to move our state to 100% renewable energy.
https://rev.ilovemy.solar/
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light is affiliated with the national organization, Interfaith Power and Light. Information about their work and connections to other state affiliates can be found on their website.
A flyer describing several IPL initiatives is available for your information and use:
IPL Programs
Climate Change and Health Documents
Changes to the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have raised concerns about the availability of educational materials related to the impact of climate change on human health. To be sure that they remain available, we have downloaded the documents and made them available. Below is a list of available pdf files that you can download.