Lincolnia church honored for its commitment to sustainability

The Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions presented a Sustainability Champion Award June 8 to Peace Lutheran Church in Lincolnia, along with three individuals, a local business, and an elected official.

The awards honor people and organizations who make significant contributions toward the FACS mission of creating moral and equitable solutions to climate change in Virginia.

Peace Lutheran Church’s commitment to sustainability falls under one of its six guiding principles: “We promote love and justice for all of God’s creation.”

To reduce its energy consumption, the church funded and installed rooftop solar panels in 2021.

Peace Lutheran has also taken other steps to curb energy use, including programmable thermostats, LED lights, automatic light switches, upgrading dishwashers, planting native trees, turning much of the property into gardens, installing an energy-efficient HVAC system, and encouraging staff to drive less by working from home.

In one example of its environmental advocacy, Peace Lutheran members and representatives from Interfaith Power and Light met with a member of Sen Mark Warner’s staff to talk about solar energy, environmental justice, gardens, and clean water – and the importance of keeping climate in the forefront of the infrastructure bill.

The church has hosted many educational events, including an eco-display where people brought their favorite eco-friendly products. Peace’s Sunday School is nearly zero-waste, with only sustainable products used in kids’ craft projects.  

The Faith Alliance also honored Natalie Pien, a climate activist in Loudoun County; Joan McIntyre, a climate activist in Arlington; Will Friedman, a senior at West Potomac High School and an environmental advocate; Home Energy Medics, a company that conducts energy audits; and Del. Rip Sullivan, who introduced the Virginia Clean Economy Act to promote alternative energy.