Sustainability & Stewardship Plan
You may have noticed some cranes on our campus recently. We’re excited to announce that we’re installing the one of the largest solar energy arrays on a church in the state of Texas. Actually, it’s one of the largest on a church in the entire country. This solar array is the first step into a longer term sustainability and stewardship plan that you’ll hear more about in the months to come.
Purpose Statement
EMBRACING AUSTIN, THE PLANET, AND THE FUTURE.
At the heart of Riverbend Church is an idea that has guided us from our very beginning: we’re a church that’s called to embrace the people of Austin and welcome them with open arms, no matter who they are. This idea is so important to us that “Embracing Austin” was our church slogan for several years. And while this message continues to be at the cornerstone of our ministry, we have an unmissable opportunity to expand its reach. In the months and years to come, you may hear more about a new sustainability and stewardship initiative that will empower Riverbend to embrace Austin, the planet, and the future.
Embracing Austin. Unwaveringly at the center of this initiative is a desire to find new ways of embracing Austin better. We know our weird and wonderful city is not one to sit and revel in the past. Austin is known for fearlessly charging forward. We want to be a part of that forward movement: we want a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.
Embracing creation. At Riverbend, we celebrate beauty. We love the arts, find new ways to support local artists and musicians, and speak about God as a master artist and creator. Moving forward, we want to re-examine how we view one of God’s most compelling works — the planet he created for us to call home. We know of God’s love and care for this big blue orb, not only through Scripture, but also because of how undeniably beautiful it is.
Embracing the future. While we can’t say that we know what the future holds, we believe that the mission of Riverbend church is not limited to our generation. We want to do our best to equip our children to keep the mission — to embrace Austin — charging forwards for generations to come. By taking critical steps to change how we operate in the present, we can help pave the way for the future.
Sustainability Plan
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS
Add “Energy Manager” as a responsibility and/or title of a current person in Facilities or Operations
Create and maintain list of all major energy-impacting equipment on campus (HVAC, lighting, windows, insulation, etc.) that tracks age, type, size, and past maintenance history
Inspect and/or tune up all HVAC systems at least once per year to ensure highest efficiency
Seek to replace old, inefficient systems at the end of their useful lives
Investigate having an environmental audit conducted of our campus by City of Austin/Austin Energy
Develop plan to recycle electronic waste, including computers, cell phones, A/V equipment etc.
Research switching to cloth napkins and possibly reusable plates & utensils for all staff lunches at church to reduce waste
Research water reduction strategies, including equipment in buildings and landscaping practices
Install recycling bins next to or near trash cans across the campus.
Research rain collection systems to determine whether installing one would be cost-effective and useful to our landscaping efforts to keep our campus looking beautiful.
COMMUNICATIONS & LEADERSHIP
Maintain “Green Committee” comprised of Riverbend staff and members that meets quarterly to discuss sustainability at Riverbend and to keep this Plan document updated and current
Continue to draw focus to energy produced by solar PV system on Home for Hope building
Post signs and information online about the sustainable projects we undertake
Encourage staff (and members?) to opt out of junk mail lists once per year
PURCHASING
Upgrade lighting to LED in all high-use areas and offices
Commit to full use of recyclable products on campus; ban the use of Styrofoam
When energy-using equipment needs to be replaced, consider the projected cost savings of higher efficiency options
Research cost and features of electric work truck, lithium battery golf carts
Research cost and impacts of installing electric car charging stations on campus
Research cost and options for compostable plates and utensils
MINISTRIES
Consider including LED lightbulbs as blessings given to low-income families via our Missions ministry
Consider holding an annual garage sale and/or plant sale in our parking lot
Consider holding an annual clothing swap, with anything items left over donated to Woven Blessings
Consider worshipping outside in nature when possible
Ask Children’s Ministry to consider including programming for kids on the beauty of God’s creation
Ask Choir / Musicians to consider selecting songs that celebrate the beauty of God’s creation
Consider holding a community clean-up activity with church members at a natural area in Austin
Consider an annual “Serve Day” on a Sunday to do service projects that day, where we shut down the campus and save HVAC and operation costs; team with Austin Blessings Co-op and their partners