May 28, 2008

WA Uniting Church Centre goes green

The Western Australian Synod of the Uniting Church has moved a step closer to its aim of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, as it begins an energy audit of its administrative hub, the Uniting Church Centre.

“This is an important step on the Uniting Church’s green journey,” said Kay Dowling, General Secretary of the WA Synod, who is overseeing the audit on behalf of the Synod.

The audit is being undertaken by not-for-profit group Perth Eco Shop and will begin with a workshop educating staff members about energy use and how they can adopt more sustainable work habits.

“Perth Eco Shop will identify the sources of energy at the Uniting Church Centre site on Edwards St, Perth, the amount of energy supplied, and what this energy is used for. They will identify areas where savings can be made, recommend measures to be taken, and provide a statement of costs and potential savings,” Ms Dowling said.

“From our first Statement to the Nation in 1977, the Uniting Church has been committed to caring for the environment. However, we know we can do more to model sustainable practices to the wider community, and we are excited about how this audit might assist us in this.”

The Synod agreed in September to encourage all congregations to undertake energy audits and seek ways to be more sustainable in the future, including switching to Green Power.

The decision follows on from the national Uniting Church’s 2006 adoption of the statement on climate change, For the Sake of the Planet and all its People, and the WA launch of a Green Church Handbook and website — http://greenchurch.wa.uca.org.au.