UUCPA received a Cool Climate Award from California Interfaith Power & Light for Education, one of seven categories awarded. Interfaith Power & Light is a multi-faith organization dedicated to reversing climate change and protecting the earth’s environment. Awards were presented at a ceremony on November 12, 2014 at St Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. The Rev Earl Koteen, a member of CIPL’s Steering Committee, presented the award to UUCPA President Bill Hilton, Vanessa Warheit and Jeb Eddy, Co-chairs of the Green Sanctuary Committee and Rev Amy Zucker Morgenstern, Parish Minister.

Regarding the award to UUCPA, CIPL’s website says:

Long known as a leader in the community on environmental education, UU Church of Palo Alto has accomplished a variety of actions, including holding an eco-faire demonstrating everything from fossil fuel divestment to raising urban chickens; hosting “4th Friday Films” with Transitions Palo Alto; presenting forums on sustainable living; participating in IPL’s Preach-In on Climate Change; and donating to the UU Ministry for Earth. In addition to its educational activities, UU Palo Alto’s grounds have a California native garden and low water use garden, and have implemented energy efficiency measures in its facilities.