Download A Rocha Eco-Congregation (USA) module 13

an environmental toolkit
for churches
Module 13
Climate change
A Rocha Eco-congregation is an ecumenical program to help churches make the link between
environmental issues and their Christian faith and respond in practical action in the church and
wider community.
Eco-congregation (USA) is a project of A Rocha USA, a 501(c) organization
A Rocha USA, PO Box 1338, Fredericksburg TX 78624
800.522.5319 / [email protected] / www.arocha-usa.org
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Contents
Why congregations should be concerned about climate change ..................................... 3
What’s the evidence? .................................................................................................. 4
What are the likely consequences? ............................................................................. 7
We all contribute to global warming ............................................................................. 9
Reflections .................................................................................................................... 10
What the Church can do to help – not hinder............................................................. 12
Abandon the Culture Wars! ....................................................................................... 12
Pray for and seek Wisdom! ....................................................................................... 12
From the Global Day of Prayer for Creation Care, 2012 ............................................ 13
It’s Time to Pray!...................................................................................................... 13
Prayer for the poor and suffering ............................................................................... 14
Prayer for the Body of Christ ..................................................................................... 14
How do we measure our church buildings’ carbon footprint? ......................................... 15
Step one: work out the carbon footprint of your church buildings ............................... 15
Step two: commit to reducing this by five per cent a year .......................................... 15
Heating and air-conditioning .................................................................................. 16
Lighting .................................................................................................................. 17
Other energy-saving suggestions .......................................................................... 18
Advice and support .................................................................................................... 18
Choose renewable electricity ................................................................................. 18
Engage the whole congregation ................................................................................ 19
Seek advice on how to take action ............................................................................ 19
Real-life experiences and testimonies ........................................................................... 20
Vineyard Church of the Rockies ................................................................................ 20
Flagstaff Federated Community Church .................................................................... 20
What next? Taking action in your home......................................................................... 21
What is the carbon footprint of the energy you use in your home? ............................ 21
How can you reduce energy use at home?................................................................ 21
What about travel? .................................................................................................... 22
Shopping ................................................................................................................... 23
Helping others to reduce their carbon footprint .......................................................... 24
Joining other congregations ...................................................................................... 24
Further information ........................................................................................................ 24
Theology and spirituality ............................................................................................ 24
Practical action .......................................................................................................... 25
Science of climate change ......................................................................................... 25
Campaigning ............................................................................................................. 26
About A Rocha Eco-congregation ................................................................................. 26
© A Rocha USA 2012
Feedback on Eco-Congregation (USA) is encouraged.
We have attempted to credit photographs and quotes correctly.
We apologize if we have not given credit appropriately; please write to us to amend any
errors.
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Why congregations should be concerned about climate change
Care for creation is at the heart of the Eco-Congregation movement. “The earth is the
Lord’s” declares the psalmist (Psalm24:1). It is God’s creation, not ours to do with as we
please. In the Biblical creation stories God subordinates rule over creation to humans to
“fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:26-28) - but in doing so God lays on us human
beings the responsibility for how we manage the earth and every living creature – and
for which we will have to give account. This expresses the now familiar notion of
stewardship or trusteeship (Genesis2:15).
We are also called to be partners with the rest of creation and co-partners in the
ongoing creative and renewing activity of God. In caring for what God has created, we
care for ourselves, because in God’s providence and wisdom, our flourishing is
dependent on the flourishing of creation. To care for what God has created is therefore
also to care for each other, and especially for the poor and vulnerable.
“When our land is submerging slowly
but visibly, any ideological debate on
ecological issues are only a luxury of the
privileged communities.”
Rev Tafue Molu Lusama Pacific Eklasia
Kelisiano Tuvalu
As we have come to understand that through our deeds we are changing the climate, so
we have come to realise that our care for creation has been deeply flawed.
Climate change represents a failure in our stewardship of the earth and its
implications for people and for life on earth are profound.
For Christians responding to climate change is no longer an option but a spiritual and
moral necessity. Will we be like the people who, as Jesus said, "were eating, drinking,
marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark" (Luke 17:27),
destroying ourselves because we are too selfish or fearful to face reality?
In the twenty first century climate change will change lives. Eco-congregations have to
be concerned about the impact this will have around the world and have to take steps
to respond.
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What’s the evidence?
A variety of different observations have led the vast majority of climate scientists to
conclude that we are undergoing global warming, caused by the release of carbon into
the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels - carbon dioxide, from oil, coal and gas;
‘carbon black’ from burning oil, diesel and coal.
The evidence is as follows:
1. “Global-average CO2 concentrations have been observed to increase from levels
of around 280 parts per million (ppm) in the mid-19th century to around 388
ppm by the end of 2009. CO2 concentrations can be measured in “ancient air”
trapped in bubbles in ice, deep below the surface in Antarctica and Greenland;
these show that present-day concentrations are higher than any that have been
observed in the past 800,000 years, when CO2 varied between about 180 and
300 ppm. Various lines of evidence point strongly to human activity being the
main reason for the recent increase, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels
(coal, oil, gas) with smaller contributions from land-use changes and cement
manufacture. … about half of the CO2 emitted by human activity since the
industrial revolution has remained in the atmosphere. The remainder has been
taken up by the oceans, soils and plants although the exact amount going to
each of these individually is less well known. Rising levels of CO2 in the
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atmosphere enhance the atmosphere’s greenhouse effect and will lead to rising
atmospheric temperatures.”
http://royalsociety.org/policy/publications/2010/climate-change-summaryscience/
2. Average temperatures have risen across the lower 48 states since 1901, with an
increased rate of warming over the past 30 years.
(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/indicators/pdfs/CI-summary.pdf)
a. Seven of the top 10 warmest years on record for the lower 48 states have
occurred since 1990, and the last 10 five-year periods have been the
warmest five-year periods on record.
b. Average global temperatures show a similar trend, and 2000–2009 was
the warmest decade on record worldwide
c. There are three independent centers that measure global-average
temperature each month; all have recorded the same trend over the last
150 years (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-change/guide/how ).
d. A fourth study (‘the Berkeley Earth Project’) published results in 2012
that almost exactly matched these three
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15373071):
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(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/indicators/pdfs/CI-oceans.pdf)
3. Part of the Arctic Ocean stays frozen year-round. The area covered by ice is
typically smallest in September, after the summer melting season. September
2007 had the least ice of any year on record, followed by 2008 and 2009. The
extent of Arctic sea ice in 2009 was 24 percent below the 1979 to 2000 historical
average. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/indicators/pdfs/CI-summary.pdf
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http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-change/guide/how
4. Changes in rainfall: generally, wet places are becoming wetter and dry areas are
becoming drier. However, there are also changes between seasons in different
regions. For example, rainfall in the UK during summer is decreasing, while in
winter it is increasing.
5. Changes in nature:
a. Spring is starting earlier and there is a delayed onset of autumn/winter.
b. Butterflies are appearing earlier in the year
c. Plants are flowering earlier (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/guide/how )
What are the likely consequences?
The report to the UN Conference on Climate Change in 2007 predicts by the end of the
century:



the disappearance of Arctic sea ice, shrinkage of Antarctic sea ice and
contraction of snow cover elsewhere
an increase in frequency of heat waves and heavy rainfall
a likely increase in tropical cyclone intensity
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
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a likely decrease in rainfall in subtropical areas such as the Mediterranean or
southern Africa.1
The consequences of this could be appalling. Cyclone
Sidr hit Bangladesh in November 2007 killing
thousands and Hurricane Katrina devastated New
Orleans in August 2005. Heat waves of the kind
experienced in Europe in 2003 could become much
more regular. The southwest of the United States,
already regularly suffering drought, will experience
drier weather still (causing yet more depletion of the
Colorado River). In Africa up to 250 million people may
experience water shortages and agricultural
production could be severely affected. In Asia the
large and heavily populated river deltas, for example in
Bangladesh and Vietnam, will be at increased risk of
flooding. Melting ice will contribute to the rise in sea
levels, which by 2100 may locally be up to one meter higher than in 2000.
It also poses a major threat to other species and habitats. Between 20% and 30% of
plant and animal species may be at risk of extinction if temperatures changes exceed 2.5
degrees Celsius and there would be major changes in habitats and the geographical
ranges of species. For example, summer melting of the Arctic ice cap would
dramatically change the habitat of polar bears and other arctic mammals. There are
concerns that large areas of the Amazon rainforest, one of the most diverse habitats on
earth would be put at serious risk; and highland mountain habitats of rare species will
shrink to nothingness. The effects on agriculture will be similarly dramatic and agrarian
communities around the world put at risk.
1
IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report summary for Policy
Makers. See http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4_syr_spm.pdf
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BBC News, 16 July 2012
We all contribute to global warming
You and other members of your congregation contribute to climate change in many
ways: heating buildings; travelling; using electrical appliances such as freezers or
televisions. And almost everything you buy has a carbon footprint: food, clothes and
the consumer goods that fill supermarkets shelves. Processed goods embody the
energy used in their production and delivery: this is called embodied energy. All this
contributes to your carbon footprint yet few congregations know the carbon footprint
of their church buildings, their homes or their travel.
For most people one of the largest contributions to climate change is in their direct use
of energy: monitoring, managing and reducing energy consumption is an important
practical action congregations can take to reduce their carbon footprint.
The rest of this module shows you how we can all tackle this problem.
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Reflections
“Although Catholics may not think of climate stabilization as a pro-life issue, it is
increasingly clear that protecting the sanctity of life entails not only working to end
abortion and the death penalty but also acting to conserve the earth’s climate and
biosphere”
‘Climate for Change’ by Elizabeth Groppe, America Magazine, March 26 th, 2012
“Each organism and ecosystem is ordered to life according to limits specific to its nature;
as kin to all creatures, Franciscans recognize the human imperative to respect and work
within these limits for the flourishing of the community of life….[and] stand in solidarity
with those living in poverty who suffer most from pollution, environmental degradation,
and changes in climate; Franciscans also extend care and concern to other creatures
with whom we live and on whom we depend…”
http://www.franciscanaction.org/news/exec/Franciscans%20Welcome%20Carbon%20P
olution%20Standard
“As people of faith, we are convinced that "the earth is the Lord's and all it holds" (Ps
24:1). Our Creator has given us the gift of creation: the air we breathe, the water that
sustains life, the fruits of the land that nourish us, and the entire web of life without
which human life cannot flourish. All of this God created and found "very good." We
believe our response to global climate change should be a sign of our respect for God's
creation.
“At its core, global climate change is not about economic theory or political platforms,
nor about partisan advantage or interest group pressures. It is about the future of God's
creation and the one human family. It is about protecting both "the human
environment" and the natural environment. It is about our human stewardship of God's
creation and our responsibility to those who come after us.
“As Catholic bishops, we seek to offer a distinctively religious and moral perspective to
what is necessarily a complicated scientific, economic, and political discussion. Ethical
questions lie at the heart of the challenges facing us. John Paul II insists, "We face a
fundamental question which can be described as both ethical and ecological. How can
accelerated development be prevented from turning against man? How can one prevent
disasters that destroy the environment and threaten all forms of life, and how can the
negative consequences that have already occurred be remedied?"
‘Global Climate Change – a plea for dialogue, prudence and the common good’, A
Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, June 15, 2001
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/globalclimate-change-a-plea-for-dialogue-prudence-and-the-common-good.cfm
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He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. The
mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. He will
defend the afflicted among the people, and save the children of the needy; he will crush
the oppressor.’ (Psalm 72:2-4)
“God is just and requires justice in response from us. This justice applies to poor
communities already suffering the devastating consequences of climate change, to
future generations, and to all other creatures. The prophets put economic behavior at
the forefront of their call to justice. The primary driver of human induced climate change
is the belief that prosperity depends on limitless consumption of the earth’s resources.
Today, the challenge is to seek a different, sustainable economy, based on the values of
human flourishing and the well-being of all creation, not on the assumption of unlimited
economic growth, on overconsumption, exploitative interest and debt.
“To seek justice for all, for present and future generations, our authorities must
encourage and enable all people to live fairly and sustainably. Acting justly requires us to
hold our governments and corporations to account.”
– Operation Noah. Ash Wednesday Declaration, 2012
http://www.operationnoah.org/
“In effect, past emissions from developed countries have created a temperature platform
upon which humanity is building towards highly dangerous temperature levels that will
lead to thresholds better left uncrossed. Those who have done the least to create our
current situation, the poor in developing countries, are the most vulnerable to the impact
of global warming……The simple fact is that we [in the United States] didn’t know we
were helping to create this problem. But now we do. Now we know the facts. A fairminded person, when presented with such facts, would say, “I’ll help to clean up the
mess I inadvertently made”. And Christians especially, when presented with a case like
this, will recognize that we have an even greater moral calling to ensure that the ‘least
of these’ (Mt 25) are helped, not hurt by our actions”
Jim Ball, in Global Warming and the Risen Lord, pages 54 – 55.
“As Christians we believe that all creation is the gift of a loving and caring God, a God
who charged us to be stewards of that gift. This means that we have an obligation to
seek what is beneficial to the earth and oppose what is harmful. The wholesale
destruction of the planet caused by our runaway production of greenhouse gases falls
fully into this latter category.
Furthermore, we also believe in a God who loved the world and its people so deeply that
he sent his only Son to save us and to reconcile the heaven and the earth with the blood
of His cross. As disciples of Christ, we have been called to continue Christ’s saving
mission, showing our special concern for the poor and powerless of the Earth; that is, the
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people who will be disproportionately affected by global climate change. To fail to act
with urgency and decisiveness is to forsake not only our responsibility to the planet, but
our responsibility to be brothers and sisters to all people.
As followers of St. Francis of Assisi, we believe that the world is charged with the
presence of God. When St. Francis needed time alone to pray and be with his savior he
went to the wild places of Italy, especially Mount La Verna. He understood that we
cannot love and honor God without loving and honoring all that the Lord has created.
Francis also believed that ours is a faith that must be lived and acted on. To preach the
Gospel is first and foremost to live it, only then will our words and exhortations have real
meaning. “
-
Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM
What the Church can do to help – not hinder
Abandon the Culture Wars!
o The culture wars do not help us work together for the common good. Those
concerned about global warming are viewed by the culture warriors as
"environmental wackos"; those not convinced are viewed as cultural
Neanderthals. Each side tends to hold other in contempt.
o We don't make God proud by being culture warriors or taking cues from culture
warriors, who make their living off spoils of culture war. Let's stop aping their
contempt toward the other side!
o Jesus put us on a short leash in the contempt department. In the Sermon on the
Mount, he reserves his sternest warning for those who show others contempt
(see Mt. 5:21-22). Shame on us every time we treat our fellows with contempt,
thereby making it harder for us to work for common solutions together!
Pray for and seek Wisdom!
o Let's pray for wisdom: for ourselves, elected officials, business leaders--anyone
who has to wrestle with these issues.
o Compared to climate change, the problem of ozone depletion involved a simple
fix. The climate change issue is amazingly complex, with no simple fix in sight. We
need mega wisdom from on high and mega love to cooperate across cultural,
religious, political and national boundaries.
o Blessed are the peacemakers! Let's be among them--part of the solution, not part
of the problem! For that we must ask Prince of Peace to calm any war in our
hearts, soften them by power of love…
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o Perhaps this is time for those who believe that God is Love, to add a little love to
the cultural equation.
From the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan
http://annarborvineyard.org/ministries/justice-a-compassion/green-vineyardenvironmental-stewardship/a-faith-based-approach-to-climate-change
From the Global Day of Prayer for Creation Care, 2012
http://prayerforcreationcare.org
It’s Time to Pray!
o
o
o
o
o
For the renewal of the church
For our work to be founded on true hope
For a movement of Christians to engage and champion climate change
Hearts of compassion to help those experiencing the greatest impacts today
For our political process
We are presented with a unique opportunity to tackle climate change and
environmental degradation:
o …like that which was presented to the Clapham Group during the age and time
of William Wilberforce
o …like that which was presented to the abolitionists of the 19th century
o …like that which was presented to South Africans only a generation ago
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o …like that which was presented to Christians on infanticide in the early Roman
Empire period
Prayer for the poor and suffering
We pray for…
o … orphans, widows and the peoples of the world who are facing shortages of
food, water, clean air, shelter, energy and medicine, that you would provide for
them in their needs.
o … the countries of Indonesia, Bangladesh, Tuvalu, the Maldives, and other island
and coastal nations who face the prospects of needing to move in response to
rising sea levels.
o … those experiencing global warming, climate change and severe weather, that
the developed industrial peoples of the earth might be awakened to reduce
rampant consumption and toxic emissions, that those facing climate calamities
might be delivered and sustained.
o … church leaders and the body of Christ in every land, that your Holy Spirit would
move the hearts of your people toward lifestyles of conservation, acts of
compassion and deeds of mercy.
Prayer for the Body of Christ
o We repent and ask forgiveness for the Church, that it missed your prophetic call
to biblical ecology, conservation and creation care for more than a generation;
awaken us now to wisdom and action.
o We pray for unity in the Church in the U.S. and around the world, that the
prayers of Jesus in John 17 be answered and realized in our day; help each of us
and all Christians practice love in diversity.
o We pray for Revival and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that kingdom
peacemakers be called who humbly hold to unity in the body of Christ in their
hearts, minds and ministries.
o We take a personal posture and pray against divisiveness, envy, pride, deceit,
personal ambition, contempt, anger, slander, covetousness, and immoral and
reckless folly in the body of Christ.
o We pray for all kingdom efforts toward unity, that our lives and deeds will help
release redemption to all peoples, and will bring honor and glory to our Risen
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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How do we measure our church buildings’ carbon footprint?
Working out your direct emissions is the easiest way to start and the largest portion of
this probably comes from heating and lighting of buildings. We strongly suggest that, as
a congregation, you begin by working out how much energy you use in your church
buildings. This is easier than it sounds. You can do it by using your gas or electricity bills,
or even better, by reading your own electricity meter and, if you have one, your gas
meter. This will get you started and while it’s only part of your carbon footprint, once
you have done this together you will be in a strong position to work out the carbon
footprint of your homes and travel and begin to take action to reduce your footprint.
What is the typical church’s carbon footprint?
No two churches are the same, either in size or use through the week, so there is no
’typical‘ carbon footprint. Carbon footprints of churches range from three tons a year
for a small rural church in use once a week…. to over 200 tons for a large urban church
in use all week. The carbon footprint of a church building depends on the size of the
church; the way it is used, and the type and age of the heating system.
…and whether some of the remedial measures described below have been put in place!
Step one: work out the carbon footprint of your church buildings
There are various excellent online calculators. We would suggest you consult one of the
following.


http://coolcongregations.org/calculator/
http://smeasure.org/
Step two: commit to reducing this by five per cent a year
Following the lead of the Iona Community we propose that you try to reduce your
footprint by 5 per cent a year. This gives your congregation a simple and realistic target
to aim at.
Working out the footprint of your church buildings is the first step in the process, rather
than an end in itself – it provides a baseline against which your church, and members of
your congregation, can measure changes in the future.
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Here are some fairly straightforward suggestions on how to start.
Heating and air-conditioning

Tune up your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system before
heating and cooling seasons with an annual maintenance contract. Like a new
car, even an Energy Star qualified system will decline in performance without
regular maintenance. A yearly maintenance contract costs about $100-$150
depending on the building and HVAC system, but will usually pay for itself in
direct utility savings - and your system can even last years longer. A contract
automatically ensures that your HVAC contractor will schedule pre-season tuneups, in case you forget or are busy.

Change HVAC filters (or clean if reusable) every month during peak cooling or
heating season. New filters are very inexpensive, and dirty filters cost more to
use, overwork the equipment, and result in poorer indoor air quality.

A programmable thermostat can optimize the operation of your HVAC system.

Control direct sun through windows depending on the season and local climate.
o During cooling season, block direct heat gain from the sun shining
through glass on the east and especially west sides of the building.
Depending on your facility, options such as “solar screen,” “solar film,”
awnings, and vines can help.
o Shade trees (deciduous trees) can attractively shade the building, and
offer wildlife interest, especially if native to your region (consult
http://wildflower.org/collections/ for recommended species). Because
they lose their leaves in the winter, these trees will allow the windows to
act as passive solar devices in the wintertime.
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
Use fans. Comfort is a function of temperature, humidity, and air movement.
Moving air can make a somewhat higher temperature and/or humidity feel
comfortable.

Consider installing solar voltaic panels to generate electricity. Place solarabsorbing panels on the roof(s) for hot water and reduction of heat build-up
within the building.
Lighting
Things you can do immediately:

Turn off lights (and other equipment) when not in use. High utility costs often
include paying for energy that is completely wasted.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs),
wherever appropriate. CFLs cost about 75% less to operate, and last about 10
times longer.

Place neatly printed ‘switch-off’ signs by lights. Consider adding a slogan, e.g.
“Helping St. Jude’s care for God’s creation”

Make full use of natural light by keeping windows clean – and adjust lighting to
your needs:
o Use free “daylighting.” This means turn off or dim your lights when
daylight is adequate, or use automatic “daylight-dimming”
ballasts/controls to do this for you.
o To prevent glare, eyestrain, and headaches, do not “over-light.” Too
much light can be as bad for visual quality as too little light—and it costs
a lot more.
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When upgrading facilities:

Consider fitting ‘occupancy sensors’ that turn lights on if movement is detected
and off after a period of no movement

Consider upgrading to T-8 (1" diameter) fluorescent lamp tubes with solid-state
electronic ballasts that are more efficient than older T-12 (1.5" diameter) tubes
with magnetic ballasts.

Install brighter, safer light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs. ‘Energy Star’ qualified
exit signs can dramatically reduce maintenance by eliminating lamp replacement
for about 10 years, and they use 5 watts or less compared to 40 watts in a typical
exit sign.

Seek professional advice!
Other energy-saving suggestions
Reduce the number of days when heating or air-conditioning are switched on
Many church premises, particularly halls and ancillary rooms, are used at different times
by a variety of groups throughout the week. A church which heats the premises on
Tuesday for a coffee morning, on Wednesday for an afternoon playgroup and on
Thursday for an evening meeting is likely to use more heat than a church that combines
the three bookings into one day.
Use of smart thermostats can be invaluable here.
Arrange bookings to maximize use of residual heat
Some activities require less heat than other activities. A church which heats a hall for a
sedentary afternoon activity might find that there is sufficient residual heat remaining
to provide background heat for a later booking involving physical activity, such as an
evening badminton club, without actually needing to extend the heating period.
Advice and support
Choose renewable electricity
Green electricity is electricity produced from renewable energy sources, as opposed to
from our finite fossil fuel reserves. It is environmentally desirable because the fuel
source is renewable, and avoids the production of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides,
particulates and mercury (coal and oil) as well as carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas
(oil, coal and gas).
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Traditionally the main source of green electricity has been hydroelectricity but in recent
years wind installations have increased. Solar power is also entering the mix.
When you switch electricity provider to one that sells renewable electricity, nothing
changes in terms of how the electricity gets into the church, and how you are billed.
However, you are purchasing ‘green’ electricity and making an enormous difference in
terms of pollution and your carbon footprint.
How do I find providers of renewable electricity in my state?
See http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/buying/buying_power.shtml and
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/. For incentives to ‘go green’, visit
http://www.dsireusa.org/
Remember – no electricity is totally ‘green’, that is, entirely pollution-free or ‘creationfriendly’. Wind turbines kill birds and bats… and solar panels use rare elements mined
from the earth. Conservation is always the greenest option.
Engage the whole congregation
Energy management is not just the responsibility of the property manager: it is
everybody’s responsibility. Put up a notice in a prominent place to show the church’s
carbon footprint and the latest monthly meter readings. Ensure this information is a
regular item on the agenda of any relevant committee. Set yourself a challenge of
reducing this each year by five per cent.
Seek advice on how to take action
Some aspects of energy management seem obvious: turn off lights when you don’t need
them and don’t waste heat by leaving doors open. We know that heating/airconditioning (depending on which state you live in!) is likely to be the biggest part of
your carbon footprint so this is probably the area you should pay greatest attention to.
The Environmental Protection Agency has some excellent resources:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=small_business.sb_congregations
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=congregations_guidebook.congregations_guide
book_green
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Real-life experiences and testimonies
Vineyard Church of the Rockies
The Vineyard Church of the Rockies (VOTR) is enrolled in a stewardship program from
the city of Fort Collins where the church is located. It is a voluntary program called
Climatewise in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (see more at
http://www.fcgov.com/climatewise/ ). This program has 4 levels (i.e. bronze, silver,
gold, and platinum). We have achieved platinum level in 2012. We are the only church
in the city that has achieved this highest level, and we achieved this level all on a
voluntary basis!
Paulo Brito, Vineyard Church of the Rockies, Fort Collins, CO 80524
http://www.vineyardotr.org
Flagstaff Federated Community Church
‘Several projects to make the church facility more energy efficient have been
led by Christians for the Earth, such as switching to CFLs, installing programmable
thermostats, replacing exotic plants with native ones, installing a bike rack and building
cupboards for ceramic coffee mugs. …and in 2012 we went solar! We installed 132
panels to cover 96% of our energy use, and reduce our carbon footprint by 2 million
pounds.’
Sherry Golden, Christians for the Earth, Flagstaff Federated Community Church,
Flagstaff, Arizona, http://www.flagstafffederatedchurch.org/
Module 13 – climate change
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What next? Taking action in your home
Reducing the carbon footprint of your church buildings is just the beginning. Energy
used in a large church could have carbon footprint of 100 tons but each household in
the congregation may well have a carbon footprint of over ten tones. On this basis a
congregation of just 100 people would have at least ten times the carbon footprint of
the church buildings; so the collective footprint of a congregation will almost always be
far larger than the footprint of their church buildings. Together a congregation can
make a big difference by reducing energy use at home; in its travel and in its shopping.
What is the carbon footprint of the energy you use in your home?
There are various on-line calculators.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a fairly sophisticated one:
www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

And here is a more succinct one, more oriented towards carbon offsets:
http://calc.zerofootprint.net/one_minute/personal/

This site ties carbon footprint calculations with tree-planting in Africa to ‘offset’
your consumption:
http://www.climatestewards.net/
How can you reduce energy use at home?
These ‘green living’ tips are taken from Nancy Sleeth’s “Go green, save green” (ISBN
978-1-4143-2698-6)
1. Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees.
2. Do laundry in cold water. You will save a substantial amount of money and the
gas/oil you don’t burn means less pollution. The vast majority of clothes will
clean just fine in cold water.
3. Experiment with reducing the settings of your refrigerator and freezer. We don’t
need our fresh celery deep-frozen in their salad drawers, and our frozen meat, if
it’s frozen…is frozen enough.
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4. Turn off lights, televisions and music players/hi-fi when you leave a room. Switch
off all the vampire devices whose stand-by lights suck up energy needlessly (the
so-called ‘phantom load’ – see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standby_power ) . And do
you really need that internet router always on? Even when you’re asleep?
5. Hang clothes out to dry if at all possible. It really is akin to laziness to run a
power-hungry clothes drier if you have a clothesline and sunshine. As you peg
out the clothes, take the opportunity to thank God for his creation!
6. Shower for a few minutes less than you’re used to.
7. Lower your heating and cooling costs: use drapes and blinds to block out the sun
(in summer) and keep in the heat (in winter).
8. Research 100% renewable electricity – see above
9. Some low-cost, high payback home improvements:
a. A programmable thermostat to give you exquisite control, hour by hour,
of your heating and cooling.
b. Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air/cool air and better equilibrate the
temperature.
c. Replace what incandescent light bulbs you can with CFLs. Fitting lowenergy light bulbs requires an initial capital outlay, but can reduce energy
consumption by up to 80% and the bulbs can last up to 10 times longer,
saving both money and the need to change bulbs frequently
d. Plant shade trees – deciduous trees that shade the house in summer….let
the sunlight warm your house in winter… and bring beauty and wildlife to
your garden.
http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/What-You-CanDo.pdf offers a plethora of excellent suggestions for households and individuals to
reduce their carbon footprint.
Choose EnergyStar appliances when you purchase anew: http://www.energystar.gov/.
These will consume less electricity – saving you money and reducing pollution.
What about travel?
Another large component in your carbon footprint is likely to be travel, particularly if
you drive a car. Every gallon of petrol or diesel used in a car engine contributes about
ten pounds of CO2 to the atmosphere.
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For tips on how to have a ‘greener’ car -http://www.carcare.org/go-green/steps-to-agreener-car/
- and of course, if you can, public transportation, or biking for short distances, are even
better environmental options.
Car travel is the largest source of transport related carbon dioxide emissions in the USA,
but other sources are also important, particularly air travel.
Again, visit http://www.climatestewards.net/ to help with calculating your footprint
and allowing you to compensate by helping plant trees in Africa – good for the
environment, good for the local people.
Shopping


Producing, processing and transporting food
may be responsible for up to a third of your
carbon footprint, yet about a third of the food
we buy is thrown away. . How do you manage
your food shopping?
The clothes you wear will have an impact on your carbon footprint - not only in
in laundering it, but in where it was made and how much energy it therefore
took to get it to your local store (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/gamesquizzes/clothing-carbon-footprint-quiz/)
.
What About Recycling, composting and other initiatives?
Many eco-congregations have developed recycling initiatives. Recycling makes a vital
contribution to reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and can make a
contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, composting and making
more efficient use of water all have environmental benefits and can help reduce your
carbon footprint. There is more detail of these activities in Eco-Congregation Module 7
Greening the Cornerstone.
Recycling, composting and reducing water use are all important and helpful things to do,
and have wider environmental benefits, but their impact on carbon emissions is much
smaller than direct use of energy in heating, lighting and travel, which is why we are
urging congregations now to move on to measure , manage and reduce their energy use
as a priority.
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Helping others to reduce their carbon footprint
Reducing carbon emissions in our lives is essential, but it is also important to help others
do the same elsewhere. International agreements have
identified the need to support sustainable development
projects in developing countries to enable others to address
poverty without becoming dependent on carbon fuels. Part of
the solution is to find and implement clean energy solutions
that also generate wealth. Mercy Corps, for example has
developed the Cool Carbon Initiative to reduce poverty, generate jobs, and improve
livelihoods while decreasing carbon emissions. Mercy corps invites congregations to
join the initiative. For further information see:
www.mercycorps.org/topics/environment
Joining other congregations
As well as A Rocha’s Eco-Congregation initiative, there are other networks which work
to motivate and encourage congregations and parishes to do their bit for God’s
creation:



http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/the-st-francis-pledge/
http://coolcongregations.org/
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/environment/earth-carecongregations/
Further information
Theology and spirituality



A Moral Climate: The Ethics of Climate Change by Michael Northcott (Darton,
Longman and Todd, 2007; ISBN 978-0232526684)
Global Warming and the Risen Lord by Jim Ball. Evangelical Environmental
Network, 2010; ISBN 978-0982930014
Hell and High Water: Climate Change, Hope and the Human Condition by Alastair
McIntosh (Birlinn, 2008, ISBN 978-1841586229
Module 13 – climate change
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Practical action
US Environmental Protection Agency has numerous excellent resources specifically for
church buildings http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=small_business.sb_congregations
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/small_business/congregations_guidebook/Con
g_guide_Greencongregation.pdf
US Department Of Energy web site has a multitude of tips and useful information on
saving energy in all aspects of your life: http://www.energysavers.gov/
Invaluable hints and resources are to be found on the EarthCare, Inc. web site:
www.earthcareonline.org
A Rocha is a Christian nature conservation organization active in many countries around
the world: www.arocha.org/int-en/index.html
There are many ‘carbon offset’ projects. This one, associated with A Rocha, allows you
to compensate for your carbon footprint by planting trees in Africa:
www.climatestewards.net

The US Catholic Bishops’ youth-oriented program is very detailed and full of
great suggestions:
o Friending Planet Earth: Helping Youth Understand Solidarity &
Sustainability in Light of Climate Change:
http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/wpcontent/uploads/2011/08/Friending-Planet-Earth.-Catholic-YouthClimate-Change-Program.pdf
Science of climate change

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for detailed and authoritative
review reports on the causes and consequences of climate change: www.ipcc.ch/
o Met Office for detailed and well presented information including an
introduction to the science :
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/
Module 13 – climate change
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Page 26 of 26
Royal Society guide to the evidence: http://royalsociety.org/policy/climatechange/
Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/, with
detail at
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/indicators/pdfs/ClimateIndicators_full.pdf
A skeptical view of climate change skeptics:
http://www.skepticalscience.com/argument.php
This is a web site that deals with the scientific and practical aspects of tackling
climate change: http://www.operationnoah.org/
Campaigning
o Evangelical Environmental Network: http://creationcare.org/
o Catholic Climate Covenant: http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/
o St. Francis Pledge: http://www.franciscanaction.org/pledge
About A Rocha Eco-congregation
A Rocha Eco-congregation is an ecumenical program to help churches make the link
between environmental issues and their Christian faith - and respond in practical action
in the church and wider community. It is run in churches in Britain and Ireland, Canada,
the United States, and elsewhere, and provides free resources, support and an Award
Program to help churches to consider
Eco-congregation (USA) is a project of A Rocha USA, a 501(c) organization.
A Rocha (www.arocha.org) is a Christian nature conservation organization operating in
over nineteen countries, our name coming from the Portuguese for “the Rock,” as the
first initiative was a field study centre in Portugal. A Rocha projects are frequently crosscultural in character, and share a community emphasis, with a focus on science and
research, practical conservation and environmental education.
A Rocha USA, PO Box 1338, Fredericksburg TX 78624
800.522.5319 / [email protected] / www.arocha-usa.org