Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina is one of twenty Presbyterian camp and conference centers in the country to have received the 2011 Green Leaf Seal from Environmental Ministries and the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association. Last week Montreat celebrated its Green Leaf Seal recognition and the completion of a solar hot water system for the center’s Assembly Inn. Read a press release about the event on Montreat’s blog.
The solar hot water system was installed by FLS Energy, and since Montreat has entered into a Solar Energy Purchase Agreement with FLS, there was no capital required from the conference center. FLS Energy owns the solar hot water system, and will sell Montreat the energy to heat the water for 10 years. Montreat will pay 40% less than what they currently pay for heating oil for use of the solar water heating system. This will save the conference center approximately $3000 a year. The conference center will be participating in both environmental and financial stewardship.
In addition to the 1500 gallon solar thermal system, Montreat has made many other commitments to caring for God’s earth. Conference center president Pete Peery stated, “We have an on-going program of environmental stewardship that includes a 2,500 acre conservation easement, environmental programming, a recycling plan, an electric vehicle for on-site transportation of guests, and more.”
Thanks to Montreat Conference Center for its commitment to environmental stewardship. Learn more about the Green Leaf Seal for camp and conference centers.