Nature itself can be used to help your utility bill. These methods are popular and they are quite effective.
- Green Roof. If you have a flat roof, install as much greenery as possible. Plants on a roof will absorb heat and rain water, which would otherwise land directly on the roof. Plants will also provide flowers and homes for bees and other insects. Do NOT put soil directly on your roof; instead, buy plastic kiddie pools and put them on your roof. If possible, the children and youth can help fill them with dirt and plant seeds – get them involved in caring for their church. You can even use some as a vegetable or flower garden.
- Renewable energy. Roofs can also be used to generate energy by installing windmills and/or solar panels. If you have good access to steady sunshine and/or wind, these can make a significant reduction in your electric bill and your electric company is required to buy any excess energy you generate.
- The initial cost is pretty high and the payback period is 5 years or so. You’ll need . You might ask some members to specifically contribute toward these due to the high up-front costs.
- Be careful with salespeople’s promises. Call their former clients and even pay them a visit to see what was done. You don’t want work that will be aesthetically ugly to your building.
Lead On!
Steve
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You may want to check with your roofer about roof traffic/etc and the implications. Also, roof penetrations (Solar or windmiil) can void the warranty and cause lots of leaks: been there done that.