Catholic Virginian: Catholic Energies program addresses economic, environmental concerns

by Jennifer Neville, Special to The Catholic Virginian

Solar projects at seven Catholic entities in the Diocese of Richmond are expected to offset more than 45,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases — about that of an average passenger car driven 100 million miles — over the next 25 years …

…Last summer, Immaculate Conception Parish, Hampton, became the first Catholic church in the diocese to convert to solar energy. Now six parishes and schools, many inspired by ICC, are completing or nearly completing solar projects that will provide some extent of solar power: Church of the Holy Family, Virginia Beach; Church of St. Therese, Chesapeake; Our Lady of Lourdes School, Richmond; Roanoke Catholic School; Sacred Heart Church and School, Danville; and St. Pius X Church and School, Norfolk. The 45,000-square foot diocesan Pastoral Center in Richmond will also employ solar power for much of its electricity…

…Charles Mikell, director of the diocese’s Office of Real Estate, said his goal is for the diocese to be the “greenest” in the country. Employing solar energy is cost-effective for 70 percent of the diocese’s 146 parishes and 26 schools, he said, adding that he hopes all will have solar energy within three years…

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