Eurodiaconia Members’ Positive Practices
Social service providers play a dual role in ensuring a green and just transition. The first aspect of their role involves mitigating climate change which includes delivering services in an environmentally sustainable manner and promoting sustainable practices within the communities they serve. Secondly, social service providers are crucial in safeguarding the social rights of vulnerable communities. Consequently, the supportive aspect of their role in a just transition is particularly significant, as it involves assisting individuals disproportionately affected by climate change and green policies.
Nature of the Role
Project Types
Organisation
PEER-TO-PEER CAPACITY-BUILDING – OVERVIEW
Eurodiaconia members have also engaged in cooperation and peer-to-peer capacity building initiatives towards promoting organizational capabilities and encouraging community engagement. By creating networks and supporting local initiatives, these efforts projects emphasize the importance of sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and strengthening commitments to enhance sustainability.
Diakonie Deutschland Sustainability network – NABU Project – Germany
Diakonie Deutschland has created a sustainability network to encourage collaboration among Diaconal organizations in Germany. This network includes both experienced organizations and those new to sustainability efforts. It covers topics like corporate social responsibility, management systems, and renewable energy. The main goal is to share best practices, exchange information, and strengthen their commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the network gathers valuable insights for national lobbying efforts.
A notable project from this network is “1000 Gardens,” which started in Baden-Württemberg and has expanded nationwide. In partnership with NABU, the project aims to increase biodiversity by using native plants and improving insect habitats around diaconal facilities. Diaconal institutions identify suitable areas and work with local NABU groups to plan and maintain these projects sustainably.
“Green Churches Project” by the Protestant Church of the Netherlands
The “Green Churches” project is run by the Protestant Church of the Netherlands and supports churches in becoming more sustainable. The biggest impact of the project will be to make information about sustainability accessible and user-friendly for local churches. This includes guidance on energy conservation, waste reduction, and promoting biodiversity.
Several initiatives by local churches have yielded significant positive impacts. For example, one church established a subsidy program for farmers to encourage nature-inclusive practices. This initiative not only enhanced biodiversity but also significantly engaged the local community. Additionally, other churches have formed small work groups to improve the sustainability of homes in their neighbourhoods and have initiated swap-stores where people can exchange clothes and toys.
ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS – OVERVIEW
Mitigation of climate change can also encompass a strand of accountability. By promoting environmental responsibility some Eurodiaconia members demonstrate their commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Notably, through adopting certifications, developing strategic roadmaps and standards, and engaging in partnerships, these organizations foster a culture of sustainability and facilitate achieving significant climate goals.
Environment Diploma by the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Finland
Since 2001, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has implemented a bespoke Environment Diploma tailored to the unique needs of its parishes. This diploma, which has been regularly updated, is now widely adopted across numerous parishes. It plays a crucial role in achieving the church’s energy and climate strategy goals, serving as both a target and a refinement tool for many of the strategy’s outlined objectives.
To date, the Environment Diploma has been awarded to over 100 parishes, providing practical guidelines for adopting more eco-friendly practices. It encourages a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects such as waste management, cleaning, and the maintenance of camp centres, offices, cemeteries, and forests. Additionally, it promotes raising awareness about environmental issues within the community.
Lighthouse certification, Norway
Miljøfyrtårn is a Norwegian certificate that documents that businesses take environmental and social responsibility. This certification, comparable to ISO 14001, guides Norwegian organizations in making sustainable and profitable environmental choices. The process evaluates the environmental impacts of waste, energy usage, transportation, procurements, and work environment. The results are compiled into an annual climate and environment report, accompanied by an action plan for the following year.
In a significant step towards environmental responsibility, Kirkens Bymisjon’s, Stiftelsen Diakonova Haraldsplass foundation, Diakonhjemmet Foundation and Signo foundation have their operations certified as Environmental lighthouses.
Certification under the EFQM Model by Asociación Nueva Vida, Spain
Asociación Nueva Vida is accredited under the EFQM model, which prioritizes environmental respect and sustainability as fundamental principles. To achieve and uphold this quality and sustainability certification, the association implements a range of initiatives across various domains, with a particular emphasis on emission control and sustainable consumption.
Annually, the organization meticulously calculates and analyses the progression of its carbon footprint. This process facilitates the identification of centers with elevated emission levels and the subsequent implementation of mitigation measures. Such measures include enhancing door and window insulation, replacing outdated equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, and installing motion sensors for lighting control.
Furthermore, the staff undergo comprehensive environmental training, ensuring that these practices are effectively communicated to users. This training underscores the importance of responsible consumption and proper waste segregation.
Climate Partnership with Municipality by Lahti Diakonialaitos, Finland
In 2024 Lahti Diakonialaitos signed the climate partnership agreement at Lahti City Hall. Towards steering their activities to promote the first carbon-neutral city and also to increase their own responsible work for the environment, the Institute linked the partnership with the organization’s responsibility program that will focus on:
- Development of Dilakorttel’s Free Shop as an ecological employment service platform.
- Reducing food waste and increasing vegetarian options in our hospitality offerings.
- Making work-related trips on electric bikes.
- Calculating the carbon footprint and carbon handprint of our company.
Church of Sweden’s Climate Roadmap and Support Climate Tool, Sweden
The Växjö diocese of the Church of Sweden has developed a comprehensive Climate Roadmap to integrate environmental sustainability into all aspects of parish life. This roadmap outlines 32 specific actions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of church activities, promoting renewable energy, and fostering environmental awareness among parishioners. Therefore, it serves as a strategic guide for parishes to systematically address climate change and enhance their ecological stewardship.
Moreover, the Climate Roadmap emphasizes the importance of community involvement and education in achieving its goals. The primary objectives of the roadmap are to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, promote value changes towards sustainability, and contribute to climate justice.
In addition, the Växjö diocese of the Church of Sweden has developed “Support Klimat,” a practical digital tool designed to help parishes integrate climate and environmental considerations into their activities. This tool provides tailored recommendations for climate actions, ranging from energy efficiency improvements to pastoral care, based on simple questions answered by the parishes. “Support Klimat” is available free of charge to all parishes within the Church of Sweden, encouraging widespread adoption and collective action towards sustainability.
Wood for WELLNESS and the Community Center – Sleska Diakonie, Czechia
Sleska Diakonie organized an event for child clients from the Silesian Diakonie Pohoda Karviná, a low-threshold center, to actively participate in the planting of 12 new tree species. The children participating were also educated on the importance of trees for the environment and how to preserve the trees planted.
