Faith United Methodist Church
Champaign, Illinois

Expanding its ministry in an environmentally responsible manner was of critical importance to Faith United's staff and building committee.

Gorski Reifsteck Architects delivered results for the Champaign, Illinois church that qualified for a LEED silver rating, the first LEED-certified building in Champaign-Urbana. To achieve it, the architects considered every impact, from substantially reducing energy costs to returning water run-off to the underground aquifer. Among the highlights are that building materials were composed of at least 10% recycled content; no CFC-based refrigerants were used in the heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems; and all wood doors contain 50% post industrial recycled content.

The completed project features the addition of an education wing, a multipurpose center and an administrative wing.

LEED Sustainability Presentation (PDF)

Resources - general information
Natural Resources Defense Council
U.S. Green Building Council
Green Seal

Resources - financing information
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
Illinois Clean Energy Grants
Clean Energy Grants from the Illinois Department of
  Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Kresge Foundation (grant program for not-for-profits)