Trinity United Church of Christ embraces the theology of liberation and environmental stewardship. The congregation’s 20-year-old building needed infrastructure upgrades, including a new roof. The Pastor envisioned replacing the roof with a green roof that would filter rain and provide an extended life to the new roof. The Church initiated a “Raise the Roof Campaign” and raised $5 million to replace the roof, modernize the worship center, and upgrade the infrastructure – improvements that reduce energy usage by 25%.

Brook Architecture first defined the scope of work based upon the congregation’s goals and budget. Brook led a sustainability charrette with the church committee and their technical consultants. The group considered three sustainable upgrade options, and presented them to the church at large.

The final scope of work included rain gardens, LED light fixture replacement, installation of motion sensors, energy efficient mechanical units, low-VOC materials, bathroom finish upgrades, low-flow plumbing fixtures, acoustical upgrades and a green roof system.

The interior work features a new reception desk and carpeting in the narthex, a new athletic floor in the atrium, and bathroom finish upgrades. T-12 fluorescent lights were replaced with LED lights and motions sensors added and bathroom finishes were upgraded and low-flow plumbing fixtures installed.

Church members can now enjoy a rain garden and an outdoor patio. The green roof system grows fruits and vegetables for the congregation and the community.