When five Episcopal churches across the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago opened their doors this October to energy auditor Colby May of Energy for Purpose. They weren’t just looking to cut costs—they were taking faithful steps toward a more sustainable future.
Through a grant awarded in September 2025 from Episcopal Charities, the diocesan Eco DioChicago team coordinated a multi-congregation grant prop to help five congregations receive Level II Energy Audits at a reduced cost. The participating parishes included Church of the Ascension (Chicago), All Saints’ (Chicago), St. Luke’s (Evanston), St. Charles (St. Charles), and St. James the Less (Northfield).
The effort was spearheaded by Eco DioChicago member Terry DeLisio, who worked closely with the congregations to compile data, schedule visits, and ensure each congregation was prepared to welcome the auditor.
All Saints, Chicago – Colby using a heat signature scanner to view energy efficiency.
What Is a Level II Energy Audit?
Unlike the more basic Level I audits often provided by utility companies, a Level II audit dives deeper into how a building uses and loses energy. Colby May, an experienced consultant who works exclusively with churches, spent October 23-24 visiting each site.
St. Luke’s, Evanston – Colby reviewing thermometer at St. Luke’s in Evanston.
Each audit took between one and three hours and included a walkthrough of the main church building and any other buildings on the church property. The audit included an examination of everything from boilers and cooling systems to lighting, insulation, energy controls and the conducting heat scans. Every church also provided 12 months of energy and gas bills for review, allowing May to build a complete picture of energy use over time.
Within 30 days, each parish will receive a detailed 30–40 page report outlining recommendations for efficiency improvements, estimated savings, and potential next steps!
A Collaborative Path Toward Sustainability
The grant, administered through Episcopal Charities, covered the full cost of the audits for all five congregations. Eco DioChicago sees this as tangible expression of the Diocese of Chicago’s commitment and vision for creation care, environmental justice, and environmental stewardship.
“Our hope is that these audits are just the beginning,” said Ellie Simpson, co-leader of Eco DioChicago. “Caring for creation is part of our call to love our neighbors, and understanding how our buildings use energy is a powerful first step. By understanding where our energy goes, we can make choices that align with our faith and stewardship values.”
Many of the churches involved have already taken small but meaningful steps—switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, or participating in community garden and composting efforts. The audit results will help them prioritize larger upgrades in a financially responsible way.
Church of the Ascension, Chicago – May climbed up on the rooftops to check out all the church’s A/C units.
What’s Next for Participating Congregations?
Each church will receive a detailed report with actionable recommendations by mid-November. Colby May will walk through the report one-on-one with each participating congregation. Eco DioChicago plans to assist all five congregations with any recommendation or roll out for which they might wish to have assistance, such as opportunities for funding to implement energy-saving measures.
“The energy audit was very thorough. The report will aid St. Charles Episcopal to make good decisions about short term and long term improvements that will reduce our energy use and costs.” said Robin Weaver member of St. Charles Episcopal, St. Charles.
What’s Next for Participating Congregations?
Each church will receive a detailed report with actionable recommendations by mid-November. Colby May will walk through the report one-on-one with each participating congregation. Eco DioChicago plans to assist all five congregations with any recommendation or roll out for which they might wish to have assistance, such as opportunities for funding to implement energy-saving measures.
“The energy audit was very thorough. The report will aid St. Charles Episcopal to make good decisions about short term and long term improvements that will reduce our energy use and costs.” said Robin Weaver member of St. Charles Episcopal, St. Charles.
Want Your Church to Get Involved?
Looking ahead, Eco DioChicago hopes to expand this program so more congregations can access professional audits and resources to act on the findings. If your church is interested in receiving a Level II Energy Audit please email ecodiochicago@gmail.com us as we’re looking to coordinate a second group!
The churches that participated in this first round were either involved with Eco DioChicago, by attending our meetings, or had completed the Eco-Justice question on the 2024 Parochial Report, which we reviewed before reaching out to them.