Catholic Churches and Schools in England and Wales Embrace Renewable Energy in a Major Green Energy Contract
In a significant move towards sustainability, over 4,500 Catholic churches and schools in England and Wales have made the switch to renewable gas and electricity. This massive green energy contract, one of the largest in the UK, is supplied by British Gas.
The decision to embrace renewable energy comes as Pope Francis commends the commitment of young individuals to environmentalism and urges Catholics to adopt greener practices that demonstrate respect for nature and God’s creation. Pope Francis established the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation in 2015, dedicated to celebrating the period from September 1 to October 4 as the Season of Creation.
The adoption of a new green energy policy by the English and Welsh Catholic Church is facilitated by Inter-diocesan Fuel Management (IFM), the energy procurement group responsible for managing the initiative. This policy covers 2,800 churches across 20 of the 22 Catholic dioceses in England and Wales, including well-known cathedrals such as Westminster, Nottingham, and Plymouth Cathedrals. Additionally, the contract extends to over 2,200 schools, care homes, and community centers throughout the country.
With this development, the Catholic Church has become one of the largest single consumers of green gas certificates in the UK based on annual volume. The renewable energy transition is equivalent to meeting the needs of over 20,000 households for an entire year. Moreover, this initiative will contribute to the reduction of 32 ktCO2e of carbon emissions annually, which is akin to removing more than 21,000 cars from the roads.
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of making changes to our lifestyles and adopting more respectful and sustainable practices towards the environment. He called on individuals to reject consumerist greed and the illusion of omnipotence, as these approaches lead to destruction rather than preservation. Instead, the Pope encouraged the pursuit of farsighted processes, responsible sacrifices, and a focus on our common future. He urged the faithful to reflect on their daily decisions regarding food, consumption, transportation, water usage, energy consumption, and other material goods, emphasizing the need for thoughtfulness and avoiding harm.
Pope Francis specifically highlighted the necessity of replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources and acknowledged the wisdom of many indigenous communities in promoting a better relationship with the environment. He declared that now is the time to rediscover our role as children of God, brothers and sisters, and stewards of creation. By doing so, we can repent, experience conversion, and reaffirm our commitment to living in harmony with the rest of creation.
The Pope emphasized the significance of youth in the environmental movement, stating that they remind us that the earth is not something to squander, but an inheritance to be cherished and passed on. He acknowledged that hope for the future requires concrete actions in the present and called for real answers to the concerns raised by young people.
In taking this monumental step towards renewable energy, the Catholic Church in England and Wales sets an inspiring example for other institutions and individuals to follow. By joining forces with British Gas, the Church demonstrates its commitment to preserving the environment and contributing to a sustainable future. This initiative not only benefits the present generation but also aims to protect and safeguard the planet for generations to come.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, initiatives like these provide hope and inspiration for a greener and more sustainable future. The Catholic Church, through embracing renewable energy, shows that collective action and responsible decision-making can significantly impact our planet positively. The journey towards creating a more sustainable world begins with each individual and institution making a conscious choice to prioritize the well-being of our environment.
