Churches in climate protection: How photovoltaics preserve creation!

Churches in climate protection: How photovoltaics preserve creation!

Once again, Lower Austria's churches show that they can act as role models in environmental protection! Ten years have passed since Pope Francis called on people to act against the ecological crisis in his encyclical “Laudato Si”. In the anniversary year, seven parishes have now been awarded the 2025 Diocesan Environmental Prize. Alois Schwarz, the bishop of the Diocese of St. Pölten, highlighted that the “Energy Saving Parishes” initiative, in collaboration with local church associations, has already implemented an impressive 550 climate-friendly projects in around 314 parishes. In addition to awards, the winning parishes also received 1,000 euros each to further promote their commitment to environmental protection NOP reported.

The focus is primarily on photovoltaic systems that are installed on church roofs. The church roofs, often ideally aligned and generously designed, offer great potential for generating solar energy. This idea is increasingly being adopted in other religious institutions in Europe, as they not only offer sustainable solutions but also increase awareness of renewable energy in communities. The fact is: the use of solar roof tiles, which blend harmoniously into the appearance of churches, significantly reduces the carbon footprint. Already successful projects, such as the PV system in the Vatican, show that tradition and climate protection can go hand in hand, according to information from autarq.com.

Award-winning projects in environmental protection

One of these projects is the parish of Melk, which has achieved almost complete coverage of its electricity needs with photovoltaic systems in the rectory. Measures such as the installation of LED lights and the establishment of energy communities are actively contributing to sustainability in numerous parishes. The parish of Neustadtl has also impressed with a comprehensive package of environmentally friendly projects, including the construction of a dry stone wall as a biotope. These showcase projects set standards and prove that ecological responsibility can be achieved at a local level and can serve as a role model for many.