This year, the EPA’s Energy Star awarded eight small businesses and three congregations for their energy savings. Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, was one of them. Executive Pastor Mike Buster took the time to share with us the congregation’s experiences, motivations and feelings about receiving the award.

Q: What was it like to receive such recognition?

A: The recognition is nice, but, really, this is about being good stewards of all that God has given us. If we’re to be good stewards of our resources, we’re also to be good stewards of God’s resources on Earth.

Q: What are some of the ways in which you saved energy?

A: We did many things – from very simple changes, such as installing about 300 compact fluorescent light bulbs in office lamps, to more complicated ones, such as installing a well, or installing Weathermatic Irrigation Controllers to more efficiently irrigate the 500 irrigation zones around the church and Prestonwood Christian Academy. On a daily basis, these intelligent controllers determine how much water is needed to keep the grounds appropriately irrigated, thereby eliminating over- or under-watering.

Q: What were the motivations behind your efforts?

A: It has been a gradual concern with being a good steward of all of our resources.

Q: How much money has your church saved on its energy bill for the year?

A: We have saved more than $1 million in the past year.

Q: Why do you believe it is important to examine the way church facilities impact the environment?

A: Our God is the creator of the heavens and the earth. Churches should be concerned with being a good steward over all that the Lord gives us.

Q: Do you have any tips or advice for churches that are trying to go green?

A: Start with the small things. There are so many things we can do on a daily basis that help account for a great deal in the long run. It’s important for not only the staff, but also the congregation to be aware and conscientious of our energy conservation. We’ve held two Home Energy Conservation training sessions for our members to help them understand how to efficiently manage utility costs at home as well as work. The sessions were widely attended, and our church members were very appreciative.