Why is a church interested in environmental issues?
In our faith tradition, we believe that all of life on earth is interconnected, and that God intended that all life is to thrive. For us, there is no division between the “spiritual” and the “material” – God is the Creator of all that exists. We are a part of the environment, and it is a part of us in this beautiful web of life.
Read more from Alan Baker’s thoughtful blog posting
Environmental Sustainability
We have reduced our carbon footprint by completely renovating our building in 2013, installing rooftop solar panels which provide clean, renewable energy, designing our leading-edge permeable parking facility, using recycled materials, installed 6 EV chargers, planting more native species in our green space and adding pollinator gardens to increase biodiversity.
You may learn more about our Gardening Group here
We also host an Ecofair in May to share knowledge about how to collectively increase our environmental sustainability.
Solar Energy for Beach Cooperative Inc.
You may have seen the solar collectors on the south facing roof of the church. The energy collected from the sun is converted into electricity; fed into the Toronto Hydro grid, and is a way for Beach United Church to contribute to a healthy, life-giving environment. Operation of the solar program is the responsibility of the Solar Energy for Beach Cooperative Inc. (SEBCI).
SEBCI is a not-for-profit, renewable energy co-operative, incorporated for the purpose of generating and selling renewable energy. This is a positive and deliberate action that has been taken to help address the climate crisis of our time. It is an attempt by SEBCI members to, “live with respect in creation”.
Members of SEBCI are from Beach United Church, and the local community. One other aspect of the operation of SEBCI is that revenue generated, after expenses, helps to support programming at Beach United Church.
Green Parking Lot & EV Chargers
In the Fall of 2022, Beach United Church installed six new EV chargers in the parking lot. We hope that we can encourage members of our community to consider switching to an electric car for their next purchase (please click here for Ron Fitton’s article on reasons to consider an EV vehicle). For anyone who’s already made the switch we hope these new chargers will offer a convenient charging option!
On April 28, 2019, Beach United Church inaugurated its one-of-a-kind environmentally friendly parking lot. Our parking lot helps reduce flooding and sewage back-ups after heavy rainfalls.
The water will drain through the permeable surface and a bed of gravel 30 centimetres thick which acts as holding tank and keeps the water on the property.
The water then filters down through the sandy soil and into the water table, thus diverting it from city stormwater sewers. A 2019 web post detailing the many facets of the installation including a full account of the materials used and its unique grid system can be found here.
Residential Solar Panels Webinar
You will find this worth watching if you’re considering installing solar panels on your house. It is entitled “Installation Steps for Rooftop Solar” and was presented by Net Zero Carbon Committee and Harbord Village Residents Association with presenters Mohamed Ahmed from Toronto Hydro and Beau Badore from Heliotechnik Inc. There is also an introductory webinar entitled “Rooftop Solar: What You Need to Know”.
To view that webinar, or earlier ones on heat pumps and induction stoves, you will find the link here.
Beach United is proud to be a part of the Green Neighbours Network of Toronto. GNN is a grassroots network of people and groups working to make Toronto greener, healthier, and more sustainable. Find out more about GMM on their website.