"Church institutions are important ambassadors for sustainable procurement. On the one hand, they can obtain large quantities of electricity and gas ecologically themselves, and on the other hand, they act as role models for many people," says Rosa Hemmers, Chairwoman of Grüner Strom Label e.V. (GSL). "Together with the German Caritas Association, we want to inform them about how they can recognize credible green energy products and that they can demonstrably contribute to an ecological energy supply with their decision."
As part of the cooperation, the German Caritas Association recommends that its more than 8,250 legal entities look for the Green Electricity and Green Gas seals of approval when choosing green electricity and biogas products.
"The preservation of creation is an important concern of the Catholic Church and its Caritas. When it comes to energy, Caritas institutions can make an important contribution to ecological sustainability through targeted procurement," emphasizes Hans Jörg Millies, Chief Financial and Human Resources Officer of the German Caritas Association.
In addition, a funding program will be developed to enable certified energy providers and Caritas associations to implement joint energy transition projects at the local level.
Caritas embeds the cooperation in its project "Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Caritas Facilities and Services," which includes the introduction of systematic environmental management in five pilot sites.
About Grüner Strom Label e.V.
The Grüner Strom Label e.V. certifies green energy products. The association awards two seals of approval for this purpose: the Green Electricity Label for green electricity with added value and the Green Gas Label for environmentally compatible biogas. The association is backed by seven non-profit environmental and consumer associations and peace organizations. The Green Electricity and Green Gas labels are the only quality seals for green electricity and biogas in Germany that are supported by leading environmental associations. www.gruenerstromlabel.de
About Caritas in Germany
The German Caritas Association (DCV) is the welfare organization of the Catholic Church. Around 590,000 people work in 24,248 facilities and services. In addition, around half a million volunteers are involved. The DCV was founded in Cologne in 1897. The DCV's headquarters are in Freiburg im Breisgau, with main offices in Berlin and Brussels. The DCV coordinates the association's work as well as political representation and is committed to a just and solidary society. www.caritas.de
Contact
Anke Becker, German Caritas Association, 0761 200-324, anke.becker(at)caritas.de
