The Environment - Green Team

EMUC has expressed its faith to be a greener, healthier and more resilient community. One of the ways of doing so is through our representation on the Halton Peel Chapter of Greening Sacred Spaces (GSS). EMUC has made a conscious decision to create clean energy, and thereby reduce its carbon footprint. Throughout the year, workshops are run on to provide information to teach people on how to decrease their carbon footprint. Workshops and events on recycling and waste management have been presented by local experts.

A 'Green' Church

EMUC has made a conscious decision to create clean energy, and thereby reduce its carbon footprint. In 2012, EMUC installed a 52-panel solar system on its roof to generate electricity to the local grid. This 20-year microFIT contract with the Ontario Power Authority provides reliable electricity to the Province of Ontario and a steady revenue stream for the church.
EMUC has undertaken a number of initiatives to help our environment:
•   Infusing ongoing support for creation into our worship and spiritual life.
•   Conducting an energy audit in 2010 on a physical and operational basis to determine our energy consumption characteristics.
•   Joining in 2011 the Halton Environmental Network and the Community Environment Alliance of Peel in a collaborative partnership to form the Peel/ Halton chapter of Greening Scared Spaces. EMUC led a three-year Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to support the chapter.
•   Installation of solar panels on the roof of our building in 2012.
•   Recycling of paper in partnership with Abitibi Paper. 
•   Collection of alkaline and lithium batteries to be taken to the Mississauga Hazardous Waste Depot.
•   Collection of tabs from drink cans for recycling with the proceeds used to purchase wheelchairs.
•   Hosting a Community Garden on church property. This initiative was discontinued in 2014. 
•   Planting trees and shrubs on the property
•   Replacing sanctuary lights to reduce electricity consumption.
•   Conversion of all T12 fluorescent bulbs in our building to T8 bulbs, which consume less electricity and have a longer life span.
•   Installing water-conserving toilets in the church.
•   Addition of insulation on south walls of the church when vinyl siding was installed.
•   Retrofitting our Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System incorporating energy conservation strategies.
•   Hosting workshops focusing on environmental issues.

In 2013 the Peel-Halton Chapter of Greening Scared Spaces recognized Erin Mills United Church for its interest and concern in caring for creation.