SVSS Customer Brings Pope’s Climate Encyclical to Life

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
June 25, 2015
1 min read

 

In 2015's papal encyclical on climate change, Pope Francis called for a sweeping overhaul of political, economic, and individual practices to halt the degradation of the environment and protect our planet for the long term.

As one of the oldest churches in the diocese of Phoenix, Arizona's Sacred Heart Church and School has served the community for many decades.

In 2013, the progressive church expanded its leadership role by promoting environmental responsibility by implementing dual solar photovoltaic systems at its campus in Prescott, AZ.

The church performed a clean energy retrofit covering lighting, windows, waste, and solar power. It dramatically reduced their utility spending and transformed the 32,000-square-foot school into a near-net-zero building. The solar project alone reduces more than 230,000 lbs of CO₂ per year, and the building is now lit with 97 percent LED lights. 

Gene Murphy, business manager of Sacred Heart Church and School, was recently recognized by the Environmental Defense Fund as a prime example of someone sitting at the intersection of religion, sustainability, and business. He was asked to give his insights into the parish's transformation.

We invite you to read the full article to learn more about how Gene, in partnership with Sun Valley Solar Solutions, led his church toward environmental stewardship.

About the Author

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

After working in technology marketing throughout the Pacific Northwest and Silicon Valley for more than 20 years, Kyle opted to follow his heart and focus his talents in solar energy.

As the head of Marketing at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, Kyle works hard to demystify the ever-changing solar landscape in Arizona and across the country. He especially enjoys helping people separate fact from fiction by presenting solar transparently and accurately, rather than relying on hype or deceptive marketing tactics that are far too common with some solar companies.

When not touting the benefits of solar, encouraging his friends to opt for paper over plastic, or growing his own vegetables, Kyle is generally found hiking with his pointer Bravo or preparing a home-cooked meal for friends.

“If you truly understand how solar works it’s easy to see through the gimmicks. The opportunity for savings is very real when you have the correct information”