The 2021 Synod passed a resolution addressing our responsibilities under the Fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion: to “strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.” Clause 4 of the resolution calls upon our parishes to: “continue the development of action plans including reducing our carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 over 2018 levels and to report annually to synod council on the progress being made.”
To assess the progress made by the diocesan churches, the bishop has annually requested information on the use of energy sources used for heating churches. The Green Group prepared an analysis of the returns, and Synod Council considered the results and provided further guidance on the reporting. This year, 13 churches reported statistics on energy use in 2023. They included 8 churches reporting annual consumption since 2018, and also in 2022 and 2023. These are: Holy Trinity, Maynooth; St. Paul’s, Marmora; St. Mathew’s, Marlbank; St. Mary Magdalene, Napanee; St. Lawrence, Brockville; St. Luke’s, Camden East; Christ Church, Tamworth; and St. Philip’s, Milford. Other churches reported on some years only. Most of the reporting churches also listed measures taken to reduce energy consumption.
Since the annual energy use fluctuates among years depending on the weather, incomplete reporting does not yet permit evaluation of the trend in energy use. For the same reason, a longer time series will be required to detect trends in energy use and fossil fuel emissions. Most of the reporting churches still use fossil fuels (propane, natural gas, oil) although some heat exclusively with electricity which in Ontario is mostly free of fossil fuels.
In most cases, in 2023, churches reported a variety of measures aimed at reducing heat losses and thereby reduce the carbon emissions. The churches described diverse energy conservation measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption: programmable thermostats (including online), LED bulbs for illuminations, lowered indoor temperature to 5-6o
Some churches are dealing with urgent need to replace aging equipment and are facing significant investments in new equipment. Regrettably, they are often getting ‘traditional’ conservative advice to install gas furnaces from companies unfamiliar with the new electricity-only heat pumps. Currently available heat pump systems work adequately at air temperatures of -30oC (-22o
A significant drawback of the heat pump technology is the initial cost of purchase and installation, especially for small congregations in rural areas of our diocese. Recognizing this impediment, the Green Group had proposed that our diocese provide financial assistance in upgrading the heating plants of churches with obsolescent equipment. The 2023 Synod passed a motion “That the diocese assist congregations with the costs of the greenhouse gas reductions called for in the above resolution” (i.e., that from 2021). These are still under consideration by Synod Council.
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Stewardship Reflections with the Ven. Wayne Varley