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The Seven Pillars of Sustainability

The Bishop’s Task Force on Sustainability defines sustainability according to the Brundtland commissions definition: "development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The task force developed a sustainability framework titled: The Seven Pillars of Sustainability. The Seven Pillars include: Christian Stewardship, Energy, Waste, Food, Water, Buildings and Grounds, and Advocacy. This framework is intended to give our stakeholders seven overarching points of reference to begin developing a sustainable way of being church in our communities across the northern Illinois. Our intention is to strengthen the ‘seven pillars’ over time as we learn more through our shared experiences and collaborations. We believe that churches engaging in the ‘seven pillars’ will not only promote a healthy approach to the environment but also enhance the social and economic health of the communities they serve.

The foundations of the pillars are strengthened by goals and policy decisions such as The Millennium Development Goals, General Convention Resolutions passed by the national Episcopal church and Diocesan resolutions passed at our local convention. The resolutions that relate to each pillar are listed accordingly. More detail on each resolution can be found by clicking on the link to the resolution.

Another great strength to our ‘seven pillars’ framework is our partnership with Faith-in-Place. Faith in Place gives religious people the tools to be good stewards of the earth. They partner with religious congregations to promote clean energy & sustainable farming. Their mission is to help people of faith understand that issues of ecology and economy – or care for creation – are at the forefront of social justice. Faith-in-Place is the Illinois affiliate for Interfaith Power and Light. This affiliation enables Faith in Place to help congregations conserve energy, replace fossil fuels with clean energy like solar and wind, and advocate for sound energy policy. We are excited about this partnership and hope that our stakeholders will utilize the resources available to the diocese through this partnership.

lake Christian Stewardship
Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDGs) – ensure environmental sustainability
General Convention Resolution A 157 – Climate Change and the Millennium Development Goals

General Convention Resolution C070 – Memorializing the Genesis Covenant
General Convention Resolution D015 – Merciful and Humane Treatment of God’s Creatures

Diocesan Resolutions
• Recycling
• Recycling at Convention
• Water Bottles

• Brundtland Commission Definition of Sustainability
• A Theology of Sustainability - Revd John Crist\
• Diocesan wide Environmental Policy
• Episcopal Relief and Development
• Worship and Prayer
• Church Services
• Christian Formation
• Parish Green Teams
• Our own homes

solar panels

Energy
Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDGs) – ensure environmental sustainability

General Convention Resolution A045 – Restricting Use of Bottled Water, Energy and Water Conservation
General Convention Resolution C070 – Memorializing the Genesis Covenant

Faith-in-Place
• Energy Audit: 12 Step Program
• Interfaith Power and Light – Cool Congregations

• Energy Efficiency lighting and Appliances
• Renewable Energy (Wind, solar, geothermal)
• Purchasing Green Power
• Purchase Power Agreements (links with green procurement)
• Investigate Government Funding
• Government Stimulus Grant

recycle

Waste & Recycling
Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDGs) – ensure environmental sustainability

Diocesan Resolutions
• Recycling
• Recycling at Convention
• Water Bottles
• Recycling Guidance on website
• Shared success stories on Diocesan website
• Waste Transfer Laws adhered to

farm

Food
Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDGs) – ensure environmental sustainability

General Convention Resolution D015 – Merciful and Humane Treatment of God’s Creatures

Faith-in-Place
Sustainable Farming – Farmers Markets etc

Use locally grown and/or organic food when possible
Try to always use Fair Trade Coffee and Tea
Fair Trade choices at church, diocesan meetings and events:
     • Coffee mornings
     • lunches
     • dinners
     • Conventions
     • Meetings
• Water Filtration – installed where necessary to reduce dependency on bottled water.
• National Episcopal Health Ministry

river

Water
WaterMillennium Development Goal 7 (MDGs) – ensure environmental sustainability

General Convention Resolution A045 - Restricting Use of Bottled Water, Energy and Water Conservation

General Convention Resolution A156 – Sacred Acts for Sacred Water

Diocesan Resolutions –
• Water Bottles

• Water Barrels in church gardens
• Touchless faucets
• Low volume flush toilets
• Landscape using native plants and flowers that can survive on native rainfall (using less water)
• Global Water Issues (ERD)
• Use water filtration equipment where necessary instead of using bottled water.
• Create a better understanding of fresh water and watersheds:
     • Mississippi River
     • Lake Michigan
     • Chicago River
     • Fox River

trash

Buildings & Grounds
Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDGs) – ensure environmental sustainability

General Convention Resolution A045 – Restricting Use of Bottled Water, Energy and Water Conservation

General Convention Resolution C070 – Memorializing the Genesis Covenant

Faith-in-Place
Green Building Programs

• St. James Commons - Environmental Mgt System (ie - ISO 14,001 and 14,004)
• Use LEED Construction Specifications on new builds, refurbishments etc.
• Green Procurement (future initiative)
• Church Gardens
• Church Parking Lots (storm water abaitment)
• Church Rectories
• Green Office Challenge (long-term goal)
• Green Cleaning Products
• Painting – Lead based paint
• Lead Pipes in churches
• Environmental Management System

advocacy

Advocacy
Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDGs) – ensure environmental sustainability

General Convention Resolution C011 - Govt Policies for Environmental Stewardship

General Convention Resolution C012 – Scientific Integrity and Environmental Policy

General Convention Resolution D014 – Environmental Justice

Faith-in-Place
Advocacy Program

• Support Episcopal Environmental Network
• Painting – Lead based paint and lead Pipes in churches