Virginia Interfaith Power & Light

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes a religious response to climate change through education, advocacy, and worship. As the state affiliate of the national Interfaith Power & Light, VAIPL collaborates with people of faith and conscience to foster healthy communities by promoting climate and environmental justice. The organization's history dates back to its original founding in 2004, followed by a relaunch in 2015 by a dedicated group of board leaders. It was briefly merged with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) in 2018 before separating in 2021 to continue its specific mission.

VAIPL serves a client base of faith communities and congregations across the Commonwealth of Virginia, engaging over 4,000 active supporters and more than 200 congregations. Its business model is that of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, relying on tax-deductible donations and a partnership program with congregations to fund its operations. The organization provides faith communities with resources, tools, and educational workshops to act on climate change. Key programs focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption like solar, addressing energy burden, improving public transportation, and ensuring water affordability and access. VAIPL offers programs such as "Cool Congregations" to help reduce carbon footprints, provides step-by-step guides for installing solar panels, and facilitates workshops on environmental justice and sustainable living.

Keywords: environmental justice, climate change advocacy, faith-based organization, interfaith collaboration, renewable energy, energy conservation, community mobilization, climate justice, sustainable living, nonprofit, Virginia, creation care, environmental education, social justice, energy efficiency, solar for congregations, water justice, public transportation advocacy