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To contribute a 'Green' resource, email us at greenawakening@tucc.ca.
More resources now available on the GAN Resource site.
Green Awakening Network Newsletters and Reports
Green Awakening Network News: December 2011
Summer 2011 Report to Live Green Toronto
Green Awakening Network News: 2010-2011 Annual Report
Green Awakening Network News: Special Edition, March 2011
Green Awakening Network E-News
To receive future editions of the E-News please subscribe here.
GAN E-News Volume 24: April 2012
GAN E-News Volume 23: March 2012
GAN E-News Volume 22, March 2012
GAN E-News Volume 21, February 2012
GAN E-News Volume 20, February 2012
GAN E-News: Volume 19, January 2012
GAN E-News: Volume 18, January 2012
GAN E-News: Volume 17, December 2011
GAN E-News: Volume 16, December 2011
GAN E-News: Volume 15, December 2011
GAN E-News: Volume 14, November 2011
GAN E-News: Volume 13, November 2011
GAN E-News: Volume 12, November 2011
GAN E-News: Green Audit Edition, October 2011
Going Solar – Solar Photovoltaic Basics for Congregations
The Ontario Provincial Government's 'Feed In Tariff' program currently offers a price for solar electricity generation that allows for quicker than usual payback periods on the investment required and thus creates the opportunity for congregations to make a significant contribution to the provision of much needed 'green' energy in Ontario.
The Green Awakening Network in partnership with Greening Sacred Spaces recently presented an evening workshop designed to provide practical information and guidance to congregations considering participation in the Provincial 'Feed-In-Tariff' program A separate ‘track’ that evening also looked at the possibilities of solar power generation and use in the homes of church members.
Below you will find links to some of the case studies presented and other helpful information to explore the possibilities of solar photovoltaics for your congregation.
Case Studies and Presentations:
Introduction to the Evening by Ron Ewart, Green Awakening Network (thanks to Greening Sacred Spaces for the original presentation shortened for the GAN/GSS Solar evening)
The Richmond Hill United Story by Peter DeVita, Richmond Hill United Church Net-Zero Committee
The Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Project by Bob MacDonald, Greening Committee, Neighbourhood UU Church
The Neighbourhood Debenture Model
Solar Energy at Home by Pete Litster, Our Power & Solar Share Project, Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative
Some Solar Stories & Resources:
Islington United Church, Etobicoke
First United Church, Owen Sound
Laidlaw United Church, Hamilton
Sydenham United Church, Brantford
Green Phoenix, Parkdale United Church, Toronto
Richmond Hill United Church Net-Zero Project
Ontarion Feed In Tariff Program
Solar Energy Information #1
Solar Energy Information #2
Live Green Toronto
Toronto Sustainable Energy Project Financing
Greening Sacred Spaces Solar Faith Initiative
HOW-TO TIPS: Lighting Retrofits
Need Help Conducting a Lighting Audit?
Michael Fraser of Forest Hill United Church is available to help churches in Toronto conduct lighting audits.
Need Resources?
For additional information about different lighting options, see Faith and the Common Good's Practical Guide to Improving the Energy Efficiency of Your Religious Building, part of the Greening Sacred Spaces resource kit.
Need Financial Assistance?
Power Savings Blitz is an energy conservation program offered by Toronto Hydro, in partnership with the Ontario Power Authority. The program provides up to $1,000 in free energy-efficient lighting upgrades to small businesses in Toronto, including churches. For more information, phone (416) 599-9210 or visit Toronto Hydro.
HOW-TO TIPS: Planning an Eco-Fair
Need Help Planning a Community Eco-Fair?
Email Vicki Obedkoff to learn more about Trinity-St. Paul United Church’s experience.
Live Green Toronto Community Animators are available to assist church groups. They have a slide presentation and can offer advice on planning an eco-fair. Contact Katie Fullerton.
Need Resources?
See the Earth Day Canada resource Stage an Ecofestival for ideas and tips on how to organize a successful community event.
Need Financial and Promotional Assistance?
The Green Awakening Network offers financial and promotional resources to United Church congregations that are planning community events. Financial support is dependent upon available funds. For more information, contact the Green Awakening Network or review the Event Guidelines
Read the Moderator's Open Letter to all Canadians...
Mardi Tindal
January 17, 2010
The United Church of Canada and Climate Change
In August 2009, the 40th General Council reaffirmed the United Church’s commitment to ecological justice by encouraging pastoral charges to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, conduct energy audits, and plan for improvements to their buildings. For details of the UCC’s positions on climate change and other related issues, visit their ecology webpage.
The UCC has produced a booklet entitled Greening the Church which offers practical ways to reduce churches’ energy consumption and explains how congregations can promote energy use that is more ecologically sustainable. Order a copy.
Mandate magazine of the United Church often features articles on the church's action with regard to climate change, conservation, and other environmental matters. To view recent issues visit here.
Greening Sacred Spaces (Faith and the Common Good)
Greening Sacred Spaces is a practical programme developed by Faith & the Common Good to assist faith communities to Renew the Sacred Balance. The resource kit includes workshop outlines, posters, music, and more– to help faith groups reduce greenhouse gases and to live sustainably.
Kairos
KAIROS unites Canadian churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Inspired by a vision of God’s compassionate justice, KAIROS advocates for social change, amplifying and strengthening the public witness of its members.
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