In the west of Ireland, the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine of Knock has taken action over its climate responsibilities and commitment towards energy and carbon reduction by recently installing new Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the roof of Knock Basilica.
Speaking about this climate action initiative, Father Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of the Shrine said, “PV Solar Panels are now installed on the roof of the Basilica. As these panels generate electricity in a wholly renewable manner, Knock Shrine will significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating climate change. Additionally, this initiative will contribute significant cost savings and reduce our reliance on the national grid electricity.”
In recent years, Knock Shrine’s commitment to reduce carbon through energy improvements has included improvements in heating systems efficiency and improved heating controls. This work is ongoing and will continue during the coming years to improve more of our buildings to reduce energy and carbon.
This initiative follows Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, wherein he urges us to transition to renewable energy, saying “There is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced, for example, substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy. Worldwide there is minimal access to clean and renewable energy.”
To read more about Laudato Si’ please click here.
