Columbans in Britain lead the way with renewable energy project

‘Care for creation is not an optional extra; it is central to our vocation,’ said Fr John Boles, regional director of the Columbans in Britain. ‘We recognise that environmental destruction affects the poorest and most vulnerable first.’

The Columbans in Britain have completed a major renewable energy project as part of their long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.

116 solar panels now generate clean electricity at their Solihull headquarters, which are expected to generate around 52 MWh of renewable electricity each year.

This will reduce the organisation’s reliance on grid electricity by more than 70 per cent and cut their annual carbon emissions by over 7.2 tonnes, as well as likely producing excess electricity to export back to the national grid.

The Columbans in Britain are made up of Columban ordained priests and lay missionaries, who focus on efforts to welcome the stranger and care for creation, through work for justice, peace, ecology, and interreligious dialogue.

The charity has planted more than 6,000 native trees, created wildflower meadows and introduced beehives to enhance local biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife on their land in Solihull.

The Columbans said the solar panels were not just a practical investment, but an expression of their commitment to ecological justice and care for creation, inspied by the Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching and Pope Francis’ call in Laudato si‘.

“If we are to stand in solidarity with communities living on the frontline of the climate crisis, we must also be willing to examine our own choices and reduce our impact on the environment,” said Fr John Boles.

“This investment in renewable energy is one practical way of putting our faith into action, reducing our environmental impact and playing our part in tackling climate change.

“Combined with our work to restore biodiversity across our grounds, this investment reflects our commitment to building a more sustainable future.

“We hope it will encourage others to consider the positive difference that practical environmental action can make.”

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: