Responding to the call to be stewards of creation, the Diocese of East Tennessee is seeking to become carbon neutral by 2030. Join us in our work to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and shrink our carbon footprint ahead of the 2030 goal.
Carbon Neutrality
About This Work
At the diocesan convention of February of 2024, the Diocese of East Tennessee voted to approve resolution #2024-05, “Resolution to further 2022 General Convention Resolution A087 by developing plans to achieve carbon-neutral facilities.” (Click here to read pages 42-43). The initiative, spearheaded by Courtney Shea of Church of the Good Shepherd, Knoxville, was given life in the form of the Carbon Neutral Task Force.
The task force is charged with developing information, resources and guidance regarding how each congregation and diocesan organization or ministry can develop a facility needs assessment to identify the actions necessary to enable its facilities and operations, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The task force also reports yearly to the Diocesan Convention on its progress towards developing information, resources and guidance on the steps to pursue carbon net neutrality, on the progress made by congregations and diocesan organizations and ministries to develop facility needs assessments, and on any further recommendations to the Diocese regarding reducing facility energy use and increasing facility energy efficiency.
Below are resources, upcoming workshops, meetings, and other offerings to help parishes and communities reach these goals. Should you have any questions, please email carbonneutraltf@dioet.org for more information.
Resources
Below are resources for those seeking additional information about carbon neutrality.
- Episcopal Church and General Convention Resources
- TVA and EPA Resources
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Diocesan House Carbon Neutrality
As part of our journey toward carbon neutrality, the bishop’s office is seeking to lead the charge to carbon neutrality by 2030. Thus far, your diocesan staff have worked on the following projects:
- LED Lighting Conversion (COMPLETE) – All replaceable interior and exterior lighting has been converted to LED lighting.
- Dark Sky Parking Lot Lights (COMPLETE) – A timer was installed to limit the running hours of the parking lot and building exterior lights. Generally, the lights are off for a total of eight hours per night. The remainder of their operational time is governed by daylight levels.
- EV Charging Station (COMPLETE) – A two-car EV charging station was installed to provide charging to diocesan staff and guests.
- Motion Sensors for Lights (COMPLETE/IN-PROGRESS) – Motion sensors in low-use spaces have been installed to reduce electricity consumption. We continue to analyze spaces for the feasibility of additional motion sensors.
- Upgrade HVAC Controls (COMPLETE) – Smart programmable thermostats were recently installed to provide more even HVAC control across the building as well as controls for non-business hours. The building, thus far, is experiencing a greater efficiency in electrical use for our HVAC systems.
- Solar Panels (IN-DISCOVERY) – A proposal for solar panels has been received and Bishop & Council has approved the project with a contingency that the Finance Committee study feasible financing options. The project is designed as a 100% system with battery backup for critical loads (non-HVAC).
- Carbon Offsets (IN-DISCOVERY) – While we strive to reduce our utility consumption, there will always be a positive carbon footprint with normal operations. We are researching the best avenues for carbon offset credits to bring our operations to neutral.
For more information on the diocesan house’s projects and research, please reach out to Bro. Andrew at amorehead@dioet.org.