Greenness Next to Godliness at Eco-Convent

Even nuns are taking on the challenge of green living, with the introduction of a new eco-convent in New York. The environmentally friendly convent is slowly taking shape, as the Episcopal sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit begin construction of their new eco-friendly home.

The nuns, with the help of BKSK Architects in New York City, will break ground on their new convent next month. The new green design will incorporate many environmentally friendly features that are also indicative of the nuns' way of life.

According to a New York Times article, the eco-friendly convent will use recycled brick, concrete and glass for many of the surfaces. Two rooftop gardens will add extra green space for organic gardening, as well as provide additional insulation above the nuns' bedrooms. Water will be heated by solar power, while skylights will provide natural lighting. The final product will be a green design that treads as lightly on the environment as the sisters do.

Their environmental stewardship actually goes far beyond just green design. The sisters started to adopt strong environmental practices about 10 years ago, although the process of going greener has been a slow, gradual one. The nuns started with an appreciation for nature that slowly evolved into adapting a greener way of life. Their new eco-convent will be the culmination of this journey, allowing them to completely embrace green living and to teach by example.

Source: New York Times