Faith-based institutions play a vital role in strengthening communities — and like many...
Faith-based organizations often operate multiple facilities while balancing tight budgets and community responsibilities. For the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, improving building efficiency across its properties was an important step toward reducing operating costs and ensuring long-term sustainability.
By partnering with UtilityGenius and leveraging instant rebates through the UtilityGenius Commercial Storefront, the Diocese successfully completed lighting upgrades that delivered immediate cost savings and long-term energy reductions.
The Challenge: Preserving Historic Facilities with Limited Budgets
Like many faith-based institutions, the Diocese oversees numerous buildings throughout 14 counties in northern Indiana. Many of these facilities were operating with first-generation lighting systems that were inefficient and costly to maintain. Operations Director, Brian, recognized the opportunity to improve efficiency but faced several common barriers:
- Mid-century buildings with outdated fixtures needing a modern-day upgrade
- Limited budget for capital improvements
- Uncertainty around the best energy-efficient products
- Limited knowledge of utility rebates and the rebate application process
The Diocese was actively looking for solutions that would maximize financial benefits while minimizing administrative burden.
Finding the Right Path to Energy Savings
Seeking a smarter approach, Brian turned to UtilityGenius Commercial Storefront for guidance.
The UtilityGenius team worked closely with the Diocese to identify the right lighting products for their facilities while helping them take advantage of available rebates through Indiana Michigan Power.
“We were totally unaware of the opportunities offered through UtilityGenius. Their team assisted us to identify the specific products needed and their customer service and low pricing will keep us coming back to shop new products for the rest of our buildings.”
By purchasing through the UtilityGenius Commercial Storefront, the Diocese was able to receive instant rebates directly at checkout, dramatically lowering the upfront cost of their lighting upgrade.
A Targeted Solution for Faith-Based Facilities
Faith-based institutions play a vital role in communities throughout Fort Wayne and South Bend. Programs like the UtilityGenius Storefront help ensure that organizations serving their communities can also access cost-saving energy solutions. Through the platform, the Diocese was able to:
- Identify lighting products tailored to their facility needs
- Receive instant rebates that significantly reduced project costs
- Avoid complicated rebate paperwork
- Implement upgrades quickly and efficiently
The streamlined process allowed Brian and his team to move forward with confidence and complete their upgrade faster than expected.
Measurable Results
The Diocese’s lighting upgrade delivered significant financial and environmental benefits:
- 60% savings on quality LED lighting
- 20,000 kWh in annual energy savings
- 20.1 lbs of carbon reduction
Additionally, the improved lighting enhanced the safety, visibility, and ambiance of the classrooms, worship spaces, and offices, creating a more welcoming environment.
Most significantly, the savings achieved through this upgrade allowed the Diocese to preserve additional dollars for more upgrades, furthering its commitment to responsible stewardship and sustainability across its network of churches, schools and community buildings.
Lighting the Path Ahead
For the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, the lighting upgrade represents more than just energy savings—it’s an investment in the long-term sustainability of the facilities that serve their community. By combining expert guidance, manufacturer-direct fulfillment, and instant rebates, UtilityGenius helped remove the barriers that often prevent organizations from pursuing energy efficiency projects.
As more institutions discover these opportunities, programs like the UtilityGenius Storefront will continue helping communities reduce costs, improve buildings, and light the way toward a more sustainable future.
