Sustainable Technologies
By Kelly Gauthier                       June 2009.
 
      Sustainable Technologies:
In June, members of the St. Francis Peace and Justice Committee visited the Motherhouse of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, Michigan.  It was a lovely, warm summer day and an informative visit.

We were struck by the beauty of the IHM Motherhouse, and impressed to learn of the IHM community’s work in promoting Catholic Social Teaching related to the care of God’s creation. 
In this area, the IHM Sisters lead by example. 

Their Motherhouse is home to over 200 IHM Sisters and the headquarters of the IHM congregation.  Built during the Depression, it underwent a major renovation that began in the spring of 2001 and ended in January 2003.

The IHM Sisters wanted to be a restorative presence on Earth, rather than a destructive one.  So their discernment led them to "recycle" the 376,000 square-foot home instead of building new.  They chose a sustainable renovation because they believed it was the only moral choice for the future.  This extremely successful project is a national model for sustainable renovation.

Sustainable technologies include: a geothermal heating/cooling system and graywater recycling system; a design that maximizes daylight, incorporated retrofitted period light fixtures, and restored original wood windows; materials and finishes that are sustainable and contribute not only to excellent indoor air quality but also to a beautiful living environment.  The IHM Sisters realize dramatic savings in energy costs because of the sustainable systems in the building.

If you’re interested in learning more about the IHM Sisters’ conservation efforts, or if you would like to tour the Motherhouse yourself, visit their website at:  http://www.ihmsisters.org.