We take the care of the environment seriously as part of our discipleship. In response to our creator God, and as caretakers of creation, Adelaide West has implemented a number of initiatives to be environmentally responsible and to reduce overhead costs.
Rainwater harvesting project
This project was initiated in 2011 and includes:
- 15,000 litres of storage in 3 colorbond galvanised metal tanks.
- Underground piping links the roof capture system into the tanks and then to a pump and filtration system in a storeroom. Overflow is connected back into existing storm water system.
- Pressure pump (100 litres/min) with associated filter, valving and power supplies.
- Automatic switching device to go back to mains water in the event of the tanks running empty and immediately back to rainwater after rain.
- Distribution of rainwater into the church, used exclusively within the toilets and cleaning sinks area of the church.
The impact of this project on reducing our water usage is estimated to be 50,000 litres pa, as well as a reduction in our storm water run-off.
Funding was through a variety of sources and was a significant community building exercise.
Adelaide West Uniting Church gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the West Torrens City Council on the provision of the Environmental Grant. We also thank the Adult Fellowship for providing a significant portion of the AWUC funds required.
(Source: 2011 Annual Report)
Solar Panels on Manse
Solar Panels on the Church(Click for more information)
Recycling & repurposing of various items
We provide boxes for the following items for recycling and repurposing:
- Batteries – to supermarkets
- Pull tags from cans
- Printer cartridges – to OfficeWorks
- Postage stamps for International Mission – to Synod
- Spectacles – for overseas
- Writing instruments – to OfficeWorks
- Plastic bread tags – collected to sell plastic for wheelchairs for overseas