THE Church of Scotland, in partnership with Eco-Congregation Scotland, is hosting a conference on solar power to help congregations become beacons of environmental sustainability.
An array of experts will be on hand at Partick South Church, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday (29th October) to explain how photovoltaic panels can provide enough power for a church to pay for itself within six months.
Selkirk Parish Church in the Borders which has fitted solar panels has already begun reaping the benefits of lower fuel bills.
The 40 photovoltaic panels have enabled the church to cut its electricity bills by up to around 20 per cent by generating some of its own power.
Around £65,000 a year is needed to run the B-listed building and the panels can produce between 5,000 and 6,000 units of electricity each year.
However, solar panels is not just about saving money, but also about looking after the environment with three tonnes less carbon emissions pumped into the atmosphere as a result and compliments the church’s ‘Care for Creation’ initiative.
Adrian Shaw, the Church of Scotland’s climate change officer, said: “The panels obviously make a good statement about the environment and the fact we need to be good stewards of God’s earth at the same time.”
Speakers include Rev Muriel Pearson from Cranhill Parish Church in Glasgow, also vice-convener of the Ministries Council of the Church of Scotland with responsibility for priority areas and chair of Cranhill Development Trust; Dr Stas Burek from the Scottish Energy Group and the UK Solar Energy Society; David Bethune, Community Councillor and director of Selkirk Regeneration Company; Jon Cape from Stirling Methodist’s Green Team; Ranald MacInnes, head of Heritage Management for Historic Scotland; Iona McDonald form Community Energy Scotland and others.
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Notes to News Desks:
For further information please contact Adrian Shaw, Church of Scotland climate project officer on 0131 225 5722.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by the Church of Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Adrian Shaw
Phone: 0131 225 5722
Email: ahaw@cofscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.cofscotland.org.uk
