Project HOW (Houses of Worship) is an initiative from NM-IPL and our partners designed to help faith communities take concrete steps toward energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resilience. In a time when federal climate commitments are receding, Project HOW offers a practical way for faith communities to lead by example in care for Creation.
Here’s a FAQ guide to help you understand what Project HOW is all about.
FAQ: Understanding Project HOW
Q: What does “Project HOW” stand for?
A: “HOW” stands for Houses of Worship. The project focuses on helping faith communities reduce energy use, adopt renewable energy, and become resilient hubs in their neighborhoods.
Q: Who is behind Project HOW?
A: Project HOW is led by New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light (NM-IPL) in collaboration with partners. Together they connect congregations with expert guidance, technical resources, trusted installation professionals, and financing options to make upgrades, switch to renewable power, and become living demonstration sites—visible hubs of hope and stability.
Q: What is the goal of Project HOW?
A: The goal is to support faith communities in decarbonizing their operations, reducing long-term costs, and becoming energy-resilient centers for their communities. This empowers houses of worship to demonstrate leadership in sustainability while caring for Creation.
Q: How does Project HOW work?
A: Project HOW provides hands-on, wraparound support. Faith communities can choose their own pathway and any combination of the following actions:
- Conducting an energy audit
- Improving energy efficiency in buildings
- Electrifying gas or fuel systems
- Adopting solar power
- Pairing solar with battery storage
- Becoming a community resilience hub
Q: Who can participate in Project HOW?
A: Any house of worship in New Mexico is eligible. The program is designed to meet communities where they are, providing flexible options and support tailored to each faith community’s needs and goals.
Q: Why is Project HOW important right now?
A: In the current climate policy landscape, federal leadership on climate action is retreating. Project HOW gives faith communities a practical, actionable way to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs, and model environmental stewardship, showing that local leadership matters.
Q: How can a faith community get started?
A: Communities can reach out to NM-IPL to explore the pathways that make sense for them. NM-IPL and partners provide guidance, resources, and technical support every step of the way. If you're ready to start an initial conversation with us about Project HOW, visit our Get Started page. ➡️
Q: What is the bigger impact of Project HOW?
A: Beyond energy savings, Project HOW helps faith communities become leaders in their neighborhoods, creating hubs of resilience and inspiring others to take meaningful climate action.
Project HOW is more than an energy program—it’s a way for faith communities in New Mexico to lead with action, care for Creation, and strengthen their communities through resilience and sustainability.
