People always seek motivation from things around to imbibe behavioral manners, be it the materialistic, holistic, minimalistic or a green lifestyle. If that guiding spirit has some religious overtures also, the impact becomes everlasting. In fact, the centers of religion are actively partaking in what can be termed as a holy-green trend. Temples, churches, synagogues, gurudwaras, mosques and congregations are fast going eco-conscious in resorting to green technologies and promoting recycled art. The correct ecological perspective might oblige followers with that discretionary faculty to restore the fast depleting eco-sense.
Here’s an informative pictorial after the jump:
Peace Lutheran Church
A 6-kilowatt solar system on the church roof features 28 American-made Evergreen Solar 210W panels. Plan It Solar expects these panels to generate 7,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year that will 35 tons of CO2 per year.
Po Ern Shi Temple, Singapore
The Po Ern Shi Temple is a carbon neutral status since it generates all the energy it needs from renewable sources. It has photovoltaic panels on the roof and the stupa, small windmills, 7 large solar hot water heaters, natural ventilation, a water collection, storage and purification system and energy-saving LED and CFL lamps.
Vatican goes green
The Pope’s headquarters has new solar panel installation on top of the famous St. Peter’s Basilica providing 300 megawatt hours of energy. It also help reduce carbon emissions by 225 tons annually.
The Regensburg Residence, Germany
Pope Benedict XVI’s residence got canopied with some 580 square feet of solar panels donated by some of his ardent followers. The Regensburg residence in Germany, built in 1970, got these panels fitted in by a trade school. Capable enough to generate about 5,800 kWh of energy annually, the surplus power will go to the German electricity grid. It will finance the Vatican Fund with a $3,500 a year and the money will empower physically challenged people.
Tirumala Temple’s “Nitya Annadanam canteen” goes solar powered
The Tirumala Temple’s “Nitya Annadanam canteen” in Tirupathi, India, flaunts an array of solar panels atop to facilitate operation of steam cookers. Undoubtedly, this is the world’s largest solar steam cooking system.
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew temple, Thailand
Some Thai monks from the Sisaket province have designed a Buddhist temple, called the Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew temple, using a million recycled beer bottles. The green colored bottles of Heineken Beer and brown colored bottles of Chang Beer have gone into its fabrication. The temple also houses a water tower and tourist bathrooms, which have been carefully crafted from beer bottle litter.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Center
A Hindu religious and cultural center in California runs on solar power, employs energy-reduction measures and promotes tree-plantation.
Eco-Mosque, Manchester
Al Markaz al Najmi Mosque, Woodfold Ave, in Manchester flaunts solar panels, under-floor heating and low-energy light bulbs. It’s built with wood from renewable sources and reclaimed stones
Image Source: Muslim Britain
St James’s Church, Piccadilly, London
St James’s Church, Piccadilly, London got a photo-Voltaic array installed on its roof in November 2005. It ensures non-polluting electricity to be used for lighting and other electrical equipment.