SND Whitehouse Facility Launches New Solar Array in Sustainability Effort
The Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States have completed a ground-mounted solar energy project at their Whitehouse, Ohio, facility. This initiative advances their longstanding commitment to care for creation, answering the Church’s call for decisive action to protect creation and ensure a more just and sustainable future.
Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and inspired by Laudato Si’, the project reflects the sisters’ moral responsibility to protect our common home and respond to the growing ecological crisis.
The newly installed 188 kW solar power system, consisting of four arrays, is expected to offset approximately 56% of the SND Whitehouse facility’s electricity usage, significantly reducing carbon emissions and long-term energy costs. By lowering environmental impact and operational expenses, the sisters can direct more resources toward their mission of proclaiming God’s goodness and compassionate love, particularly in service to those who are poor and marginalized.
“Increasing our transition to renewable energy allows us to live out that mission in a tangible way, reducing our environmental impact while supporting long-term sustainability,” said Sister Margaret M. Gorman, SND USA Provincial.
This solar installation is part of SND USA’s broader efforts to integrate renewable energy and sustainable practices across its facilities, aligning with global goals for environmental responsibility. Other significant sustainability initiatives completed by SND USA include transitioning fleet cars to hybrid models and incorporating geothermal energy.
The solar array was designed and constructed by Better Together Solar, a Cleveland-based company specializing in renewable energy solutions.
"Even on the semi-cloudy day, the system is currently producing more electricity than the building is using. We’re currently sending excess power back to the grid, which we’ll benefit from later when the panels aren’t generating."
Keith Tremmel, Director of Maintenance, Toledo Region
Our Path to Renewable Energy
The call by the Universal Church to Care for our Common Home (Pope Francis, Laudato Si and Laudate Deum)
The call of the General Chapter of the Sisters of Notre Dame to "implement integral ecology in each province according to its capacity- developing an action plan for transitioning to renewable energy"
The province wide call for sisters and SND USA employees to develop goals around sustainability
Project Progression
"We hope our commitment to stewardship of creation fosters solidarity with vulnerable communities most affected by climate change and demonstrates to future generations that faith and sustainability can work hand in hand."
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