Local church opens the door to energy efficiency

To dispel the chill, the church conducted several exciting renovations. Most noticeable of the changes was that they created a vestibule entrance to the main doors of the school. This meant building a frame, installing new exterior entrance doors, installing new security locks, and installed lighting and heating in the vestibule. Additionally, they removed and re-poured a new sidewalk and concrete steps, installed two new interior doors, and re-caulked the windows above the interior doors.

“The vestibule is used by our students, their families, our staff and visitors as the primary entrance to our school,” said Dinkel. “Now we are providing a more energy-efficient entrance to our school. The vestibule allows people to ‘get out of the elements’ when they enter through the first door. Plus, the security system attached to the interior doors is far more secure than our previous system.”

Next, the parish and school are looking at improving the south entrance to the school, which also loses a lot of hear in the winter. 

Ms. Dinkel shared some thoughts for other communities interested in the CERTs Seed Grants. “My advice would be to assess your building or project carefully, identify where the greatest need or opportunity is, and apply! It was not difficult nor did it involve excessive reporting or paperwork.”