In Massachusetts, more houses of worship are turning to solar power
By Sarah Shemkus 08/03/20
The state trailed only California in the number of houses of worship with solar installations in operation last year.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
PLACES OF WORSHIP
“The very existence of life – life that religious people are called to protect – is jeopardized by our continued dependence on fossil fuels for energy. Every major religion has a mandate to care for Creation." —Interfaith Power & Light
Churches, temples, and mosques are responding and adapting. Interfaith Power & Light, a national coalition that fuses faith with environmental advocacy, has assisted over 770 houses of worship nationwide to reduce their carbon footprint by installing solar panels on their buildings. The Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation was the first house of worship in the world to become LEED certified. A Minneapolis mosque, Masjid An-Nur, had been plagued with flooding and is being transformed into an “eco-mosque” with stormwater improvements. Masjid An-Nur is also working together with Shiloh Temple on a massive community solar garden project. Shiloh Temple has installed solar on their rooftop, enabling them to provide clean energy in a low-income community of color, create green jobs for local residents, and make sure that low-income families have access to community solar.
See some inspiring green houses of worship around the world here.
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