Lexington, KY, September 25, 2025

News Summary

The Catholic Diocese of Lexington has announced its goal to achieve net zero emissions for all facilities by 2030. This initiative, spearheaded by Bishop John Stowe, emphasizes environmental stewardship rooted in faith. Aligning with Pope Francis’s teachings, the diocese aims to implement energy audits and install solar panels, collaborating with several partners to actively combat climate change challenges faced in Kentucky.

Lexington’s Catholic Diocese Plans to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2030

The Catholic Diocese of Lexington has declared its ambition to attain net zero emissions for all its facilities by the year 2030. Covering a wide area that includes 50 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky, this initiative is led by Bishop John Stowe and signifies a significant commitment to addressing environmental challenges through the lens of faith.

The diocese’s strategy aligns with the teachings of Pope Francis as presented in his 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si,” which called on the Catholic Church to actively respond to the issues posed by climate change. Supporting this initiative further, Pope Leo XIV has invited Lexington’s church leaders to the forthcoming “Raising Hope Conference” scheduled for October 1, 2025, in Rome, fostering a dialogue on faith and climate action.

Details of the Plan

Bishop Stowe emphasized that caring for the environment is viewed as an essential responsibility arising from their faith. The initiative seeks to promote a culture of environmental stewardship among the diocese’s 59 parishes, schools, and rectories. The initial phase involves conducting energy audits across all diocesan properties, along with exploring the feasibility of transitioning from gas utilities to electric systems.

A major focus of the diocese’s plan is the installation of solar panels on facilities that currently lack such infrastructure, with the goal of meeting the majority of energy needs through renewable sources. Achieving net zero emissions entails balancing any greenhouse gas emissions produced with efforts to remove an equivalent amount from the atmosphere, thereby achieving no net increase in these gases.

Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement

The Diocese of Lexington is proactively collaborating with various partners in the pursuit of its sustainability goals. Key companies involved include Lexmark, Alltech, Solar Energy Solutions, Toyota, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare. This collaborative effort showcases how different sectors can unite in addressing climate concerns while aligning with a common goal.

Furthermore, the diocese is responding swiftly to leverage solar tax credits that are on the verge of expiration, enhancing the financial feasibility of its ambitious renovation plans. Adam Edelen, head of Edelen Renewables and chair of the Diocese’s Net Zero Task Force, underscored the importance of combining faith with sustainability, highlighting this plan as a model of effective leadership.

Broader Context of Climate Challenges

Kentucky has witnessed significant climate-related challenges recently, including an increase in severe flooding and tornado occurrences. The International Energy Agency has reported that the expansion of global electricity generation will predominantly stem from renewable and nuclear sources. In the United States, solar and wind energy now accounts for 16% of the electricity supply, surpassing coal—a considerable shift given the steep decline of the coal industry in Kentucky, where coal mine employment has dropped by 59% since 2015.

By taking these measures, the Catholic Church aims to contribute positively to tackling environmental issues, moving beyond political discussions to focus on actionable solutions grounded in faith and community responsibility.

Conclusion

The commitment of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 not only highlights the role of faith in environmental stewardship but also illustrates a model for others to follow in addressing the urgent and growing challenge of climate change.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Mass Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School
Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV: A Historic Shift for the Catholic Church
Lexington Mourns the Loss of Pope Francis at 88
Pope Francis Battling Pneumonia: A Beacon of Hope

Additional Resources

• LEX18: Diocese of Lexington Sets Goal to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Footprint
• Wikipedia: Net Zero
• Kentucky.com: Op-Ed on Climate Action
• Google Search: Net Zero Emissions
• Kentucky.com: Business Article on Sustainability
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate Change
• The Cool Down: Lexington’s Gas Ban and Construction
• Google News: Climate Change Initiatives

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

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