Walk the energy and water audit of Bethel AME Church in West Baltimore

Bethel AME on Druid Hill Avenue is one of the nation's oldest African Methodist Episcopal congregations, and like most historic West Baltimore church buildings it heats a large sanctuary through leaky envelope and aging fixtures on a congregation budget. A documented walk-through audit is the first rung of the whole stewardship series that follows. Standard: ENERGY STAR for Congregations audit checklist; SDG 7 + SDG 12. Proof: Completed audit form with a photo per finding and a quick-wins list Method (ENERGY STAR for Congregations audit checklist; SDG 7 + SDG 12.): 1. Confirm the church host invitation and walk the building with the facilities steward. 2. Record every draft point, single-pane window, uninsulated pipe run, and fixture age on the audit form. 3. Photograph each finding with its location noted. 4. Read and log the meters and recent utility bills the host shares. 5. Submit the completed audit with GPS-dated photos and a ranked quick-wins list. Done when: Completed audit form with a photo per finding and a quick-wins list

Where

Bethel AME Church, 1300 Druid Hill Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217

Pay

$80 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Completed audit form with a photo per finding and a quick-wins list

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-01

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 60–120 minutes. Method of record: ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit

Bring

• tablet/clipboard
• tape measure
• light meter (lighting scope)
• clamp thermometer (refrigeration scope)
• 12-month utility bills
• camera
• ladder + spotter (high fixtures)

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the address; arrange a staff escort for mechanical/back-of-house.
2. 2. Photograph HVAC, lighting, envelope, and any in-scope systems.
3. 3. Inventory systems: HVAC type + age; lighting fixture count/type/wattage; refrigeration units; envelope condition.
4. 4. Summarize 12 months of utility use (kWh / therms) from the bills.
5. 5. Take the in-scope measurements (light levels, unit temperatures, seal condition).
6. 6. Rank no-cost/low-cost measures, then capital measures, with rough savings logic.
7. 7. Enter inventory, measurements, utility summary, photos, and the ranked measure list; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Knob-and-tube, ungrounded or overheated wiring, scorched outlets, or a hot electrical panel -> STOP: do not operate the circuit; route to a licensed electrician and restrict use (NEC / fire hazard).
• Gas odor, or a combustion appliance with absent/blocked venting (backdrafting / CO risk) -> STOP: evacuate, ventilate, call the gas utility. The agent escalates, never relights or adjusts gas.
• Any live-electrical/gas hazard -> document, do not touch, flag for a licensed pro.
• Refrigeration unit out of food-safe range -> flag as both energy and food-safety risk.
• Suspected asbestos/lead in materials -> flag and stop.

What counts as done

• System inventory complete for the in-scope equipment
• 12-month utility use summary recorded
• In-scope measurements recorded with units
• Ranked no-cost/low-cost + capital measure list produced

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.