First UU Environmental Audit Report - April 2006

FIRST UU ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT 2005-2006 REPORT Introduction The Green Sanctuary Committee conducted an environmental audit of the First UU building and congregational life as a first step towards attaining Green Sanctuary Certification through the UUA Ministry for Earth. The environmental audit reviewed policies, procedures and practices in ten (10) areas to determine current practices and opportunities for enhanced earth-friendly actions: 1. Energy Usage & Conservation 2. Recycling 3. Use of Environmentally Friendly Products 4. Investment Strategies 5. Youth Religious Education 6. Adult Religious Education 7. Worship Services 8. Social Justice Program 9. Transportation 10. Landscaping This report summarizes the basic findings of the audit and identifies preliminary opportunity areas to consider for projects to fulfill our Green Sanctuary requirements. The Green Sanctuary Committee intends to expand those opportunity areas and define specific projects based on input from the congregation. Congregational input will be collected during Green Sanctuary Committee forums to be held on Wednesday, May 3 (7:00 pm) and Sunday May 21 (noon) as well as input collected through informal conversations between committee members and congregants. Green Sanctuary Certification Requirements Based on the results of the audit, the Green Sanctuary Committee will develop an Action Plan that outlines twelve (12) activities or projects representing the following ...