Subject: Environmental Audits

Moved By: The Rev. Kevin Arndt from the Diocese of British Columbia

Seconded By: The Rt. Rev. Peter Coffin from the Diocese of Ottawa

Note: The mover and the seconder must be members of the General Synod and be present in the House when the resolution is before the synod for debate.

BE IT RESOLVED:

That this General Synod

1. Commend the work of the Environmental Commission of the Dioceses of British Columbia and the Ecology and Theology Working Group of the Diocese of Ottawa, and note with gratitude the resources produced by those taskforces, the Footprint Files (British Columbia) and Renewing our Relationship with the Earth (Ottawa)
   
2. Commend these resources to the dioceses for wider circulation and study in the Anglican Church of Canada.
   
3. Request the EcoJustice Committee over the course of the 2004-2007 triennium to encourage all dioceses to develop similar programs, which encourage environmental audits and energy retrofits for all churches and church owned buildings within their jurisdiction.
   

BACKGROUND/EXPLANATORY NOTES:

1. Footprint Files: Ideas to help congregations care for Creation and reduce their footprint, was developed by the Diocesan Environmental Commission (DEC) of the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia, with contributions form Susan Gage, Briony Penn, Cory Waters, and Peggy Wilmot. Beautifully illustrated in binder format by Donald Gunn & Briony Penn of Penn and Gunn Associates. Copyright 2002, 900 Vancouver St., Victoria, BC V8V 3V7. Tel. (250) 386-7781. E-mail. [email protected].
   Each section of Footprint Files includes a background article, a reflection, liturgy, story and activities, relating to these themes:
   • Praise! Paying attention to Creation
   • Being Outdoors – Feeling our connection to the web of Creation
   • The Covenant – What does the Lord require of you?
   • St. Francis – Living a life of simplicity and community
   • Audit/God-it! – Environmental auditing for churches
   • Back Home – Ideas to encourage church members to audit their homes and lifestyles
   • Day by Day – Ideas to help your parish maintain creation stewardship momentum
   • Resources – to help you learn more.

1. Renewing our Relationship with the Earth: A Guide to what you and your church can do, was prepared for the Ecology and Theology Working Group of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa by Kate Davies, October 2002. Copyright 2002, Incorporated Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, 71 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 6G6. Website: http://ottawa.anglican.ca.
   The sections of this resource are:
   • Introduction
   • Environmental Education and Awareness
   • What you can do at Church
   • What you can do at Home
   • What you can do in the Garden
   • Transportation
   • Shopping
   • Resources and Further Information
   • Appendix A: Environmental Checklist
   • Appendix B: The Ecology and Theology Working Group of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa