Sustainability is a key component of the mission at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep (CTK) and Chicago Jesuit Academy (CJA). The schools have recently collaborated with Dewan Solar to install solar panels, which will significantly decrease carbon dioxide emissions and lower energy costs by approximately 50% annually. By incorporating renewable energy into their operations, CTK and CJA are making significant strides toward a more sustainable future on Chicago's West Side.
A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Campus
This project, over a year in the making, was completed in late October 2024. The decision to embrace renewable energy reinforces both institutions' commitment to the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Jesuits, particularly the call to “Care for Our Common Home.”
This initiative is influenced by Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si, urging individuals and institutions to act against environmental degradation. By working together, CTK and CJA set a vital example for schools across the region, showing how education can promote social justice and environmental stewardship.
The Role of Dewan Solar and Illinois Solar for All
Key to this successful project is the partnership with John and Sue Dewan of Dewan Solar LLC. Their innovative financing model helps educational institutions access renewable energy sources.
CTK entered a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Dewan Solar, which allows the school to gradually acquire solar panels while enjoying energy rates that are significantly lower than before. This model not only offers immediate cost savings but also promises a return on investment within six to seven years. This collaboration highlights how meaningful partnerships can foster sustainability in education.
John Dewan noted, “The planet faces an urgent climate emergency. At Dewan Solar, our mission is to make solar energy accessible and to support those who contribute so much to our communities. Helping schools like Christ the King and Chicago Jesuit Academy go solar helps address our climate crisis and ensures a healthier future for our youth.”
A Commitment to Sustainability and Community
As the world confronts the pressing challenges of climate change, initiatives like this stand as key examples of how educational institutions can lead by example. By collaborating with communities, schools, and organizations in renewable energy efforts, Dewan Solar is playing a pivotal role in addressing environmental issues.
Through this innovative project, CTK and CJA demonstrates a proactive approach to nurturing an ethos of environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for its students and the greater community.
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