In 2007, the Vatican City had plans to become the first “Carbon Neutral State” through using solar power and planting a Vatican Climate Forest in Hungary to offset all its carbon emissions.  They teamed up with U.S. based Planktos Corporation and its Hungarian partner, KlimaFa Ltd., to get their forestry project underway.

George Russ, CEO of Planktos stated that, “Not only is the Vatican steadily reducing its carbon footprint with energy efficiency and solar power, its choice of new mixed growth forests to offset the balance of its emissions shows a deep commitment to planetary stewardship as well. It eloquently makes the point that eco-restoration is a fitting climate change solution for a culture of life.”

Amid negotiations, the companies promised to restore more than 600 acres of forests in Hungary along the Tisza River. A portion of this reforestation project was to have been designated as the Vatican Climate Forest, and nearly 125,600 oak, white willow, black poplar and wild fruit trees were to have been planted by November 2008. The Vatican Climate Forest was never completed because of company mishaps, yet this has not discouraged the Vatican from creating other projects to offset their carbon emissions.

During 2008, the Vatican replaced the deteriorating concrete panels of the Paul VI auditorium, with photovoltaic cells that will convert sunlight into electricity. These solar panels generate enough energy to light, heat and cool the 6,000-seat auditorium. Plus when it is not in use, the surplus energy is fed back into the Vatican network.  Andre Koekenhoff, one of the workers, told the Associated Press that, “with this plant, if it is working, in about two weeks we avoid 200 tons of carbon dioxide, and this is equivalent to 70 tons of oil.”

Considering that the Catholic Church claims to strive for stewardship, this effort to become a “Carbon Neutral State,” is a perfect way to put their values into action. According to Bloomberg reports in 2009, newer reports suggested that the Holy See was planning to invest €500m in a 100MW solar farm, which is expected to come online in 2014, generating enough energy for 40,000 homes.

The project is the latest in a series of moves from the Vatican, designed to enhance its environmental credentials. Alongside the rooftop solar panels, officials looking into a biomass facility at the pope’s Castel Gandolfo summer residence.

However, not everyone is satisfied with the Vatican’s plans to become “more green.” Mr. Iain Murray, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute stated, “To the Church of Green, the Vatican will remain heretical.” Furthermore, with the failure of the Vatican Climate Forest project, another article was published stating, “Buying carbon-offset may ease eco-guilt but not global warming.”

On the contrary, environmentalist Rohonyi told ABC News, “Generally, this is a good thing. The idea is praiseworthy. Because of this deal the Vatican will perhaps start propagating environmental awareness among its faithful.”

Taking into consideration that the Vatican may someday accomplish it’s goal to entirely offset it’s carbon emissions, it will be a shining example of cooperation and diligence on the part of many who are striving for a greener way of living.

Articles Used:

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Interested in similar articles? Here’s more:

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How do Photovoltaic cell’s work?: http://bit.ly/dseVdG

Vatican may sue carbon-offset company: bit.ly/dlllXV

“Buying carbon-offset may ease-guilt but not global warming”: http://bit.ly/bqjLG8