Greening Knock Shrine: New Solar Panels Installed at Knock Basilica

Knock Shrine Goes Solar

Pope Francis ,  in his encyclical Laudato Si’ urges us to transition to renewable energy.

‘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.’

In recognition of Knock Shrine’s climate action responsibilities and our commitment towards energy and carbon reduction, assessments were undertaken to understand energy usage across the Shrine campus and to identify opportunities to reduce carbon through energy improvements.

In recent years this 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.

Fr Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector, Knock Shrine is very proud of the most recent climate action initiative:

 

“Photovoltaic (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.”