In April, 2007, the congregation voted to become a UU Green Sanctuary. The Green Sanctuary Program is administered by the UU Ministry for Earth. A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that lives out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable lifestyle for its members as individuals and as a faith community. For more information about the Green Sanctuary Program and our Committee, please see our Social Justice page or contact Connie Young at 225-2547 or cyoungrn@sbcglobal.net.

Building Green

In 2002 the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno bought five acres in the north end of the city and proceeded to draw up plans to build a church. From the outset the congregation was committed to environmentally sensitive design and construction. In deciding to "Build Green" we sought guidance from the United States Green Building Council, a coalition of leaders from across the building industry that works to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible. This is done through its administration of a Green Building Rating System known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which evaluates projects in accord with established energy-saving criteria.

It was a surprise to us that there was a national objective consensus-based standard for developing high-performance sustainable buildings. We secured, and have done our best to implement, LEED's carefully tested recommendations regarding such items as roofing systems, air-conditioners, mechanical, electric and plumbing systems and water conversation. The Green Building Council can be reached at www.usgbc.com.

Our Unitarian Universalist principles were a strong influence obliging us to "Build Green." We are enjoined therein to manifest "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." We will be pleased to share our experiences regarding both the financial and construction aspects of our endeavor. To facilitate this you are invited to contact the Church office at www.uufresno.org or at (559) 322-6146.