Get Thee to an Eco Nunnery
by Bonnie Alter, London 
on 12. 2.08
Enough is enough according to the nuns at an ageing Victorian convent. They are tired of being caretakers for an old country mansion in the English countryside that is eating money in fuel bills and upkeep. Now they have commissioned a new home in the remote countryside that will be environmentally friendly. It will have rainwater harvesting, reedbed sewage systems, sedum roofs, recycled materials, a woodchip boiler and be built of responsibly-sourced timber.
"We are supposed to love creation and respect the environment. We're living in and taking care of it." said the abbess. To that end they have hired Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, prize winning architects who have recently won the prestigious Stirling Prize for a residential development. The architects appreciated the sisters' point of view: "These clients are naturally parsimonious, they're not into buying and consuming like we are and they have a great respect for the natural environment. It's been a privilege working with them. They're so charming and they're quite good fun."
With only 22 nuns left, the women were downsizing and wanted something smaller with some "natural curved surfaces and shapes" and a place that was "manageable, comfortable and suitable for the 21st century". The new building will have broadband, solar panels on the roof, and outer buildings including a church, library and a retreat for up to 15 visitors. Guardian
More on Religious Buildings Going Green
Church of England Goes Green
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Top 10 Things to Bring On Your Cross-Country Bus Trip
- Surf Green with Eco-Friendly Surf Gear
- What is the Cheapest and Greenest Way to Travel?
- How to Convince Your Family Contracting Business to Go Green
- Zero Waste—The Newest Eco-Fashion Innovation?
- Forget Fireworks on the 4th of July—Because they Suck
I'm not big on organized religions, but these nuns have the right idea. It is good to see, that they are making eco friendly choices. I will be interested to see the completed building, and hopefully more religious organizations will follow suit.
Hi there all of you
I just love this.
Nuns have always been fun loving
I'm so impressed with the news that you at Treehugger are digging up.
Way to go.
Neil in Cape Town