The Cincinnati Archdiocese is establishing a formal partnership with Catholic Covenant Energies to dramatically reduce energy use.
Two "energy summits" are planned for this week. The Dayton energy summit will be held on Wednesday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Archbishop Pilarczyk Center (1436 Needmore Road). In Cincinnati meeting will be held on Thursday, November 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at Good Shepherd Parish (8815 East Kemper Road).
"I would like our Archdiocese to be among the greenest dioceses in the country," said Jeff Bohrer, head of Property Management and Real Estate for the Cincinnati Archdiocese."
For the past couple of years parishes have been taking steps to become more energy efficient and encouraging their members to do the same. The Cincinnati Archdiocese is now ramping up efforts with the energy summits. Dozens of pastors, principals and facilities managers will learn about a new program and partnership with Catholic Covenant Energies.
There are three components to the program:
- Integrate local utility programs that provide no-cost and low-cost incentives that generate immediate payback.
- Through Catholic Covenant Energies provide financing on a case by case basis for more expensive programs.
- Encourage parishes and schools to educate parishioners, students and parents.
Tony Stieritz, director of the Catholic Social Action Office added, “What is unique about this partnership is that it provides a new way for Archdiocesan leaders to respond creatively to the Church’s mandate to be better caretakers of God’s creation in both concrete and spiritual ways. We reduce our energy, save money, and share our rich tradition.”
“I am so pleased by the willingness of Archdiocesan leaders—including Archbishop Schnurr, Jeff Bohrer and Tony Stieritz—to work with the Covenant to pilot this promising initiative,” said Dan Misleh, executive director of Catholic Climate Covenant. “I have no doubt that the program will be successful and become a model for dioceses around the country who want to save money, reduce energy use, and demonstrate a real concern for God’s good gift of Creation.”
