In 2022, Ascension reviewed its goals regarding greening its building and some of the ways that it might achieve those goals. Ascension wants: to be as close to “net zero” carbon emissions as we can reasonably be; to be a leader in the community in the greening of buildings; and to live up to our baptismal covenant to “strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth.”
Accomplishing this will require undertaking green audits, considering our energy sources (and carbon offsets), and reducing our energy use (through such things as insulation and more new windows).
A green audit had been carried out in late 2012 by Greening Sacred Spaces/Faith & the Common Good. It made many useful suggestions for the greening of the building. In 2022, we have taken stock of the progress that we have made over the last ten years. Importantly, all the windows on the lower level have been replaced with energy efficient ones, as have half of the large windows on the upper level. As well, most of the lighting in the church has been upgraded.
In addition to undertaking steps to reduce our carbon footprint over the past 10 years, Ascension now uses only natural based cleaners and actively uses recycling bins throughout the building.
We will continue to move forward on greening our building and reducing our carbon footprint to safeguard God’s creation.
For more info, please contact greeningthebuilding@churchoftheascension.ca .