The church operates 11 wind turbines in five locations across Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. Photo: Evangelical Church in Central Germany
New LWF publication documents local initiatives on sustainable energy innovations
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has released a new publication, Advocating for climate justice – Best practices on the path to carbon neutrality, showcasing how local engagement and innovation can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, saving energy costs, and advancing climate justice.
Also available in Spanish, it documents church-led and community-based initiatives that combine environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and policy advocacy to reinforce the Lutheran communion’s commitment to climate justice. Most of the projects highlight collaboration between LWF’s member churches, World Service country programs and the host local communities.
“As we reflect on LWF’s long-standing engagement for climate justice and 10 years of the Paris Climate Agreement, the publication is an opportunity to highlight how this global commitment translates into action at the local level,” said Elena Cedillo Vargas, the Program Executive for Climate Justice.
From Latin America to East Africa and Europe, each case study demonstrates how member churches and partners are integrating renewable energy and sustainable practices into daily life, and inspiring similar initiatives.
As we reflect on LWF’s long-standing engagement for climate justice and 10 years of the Paris Climate agreement, the publication is an opportunity to highlight how this global commitment translates into action at the local level
Elena Cedillo Vargas, Program Executive for Climate Justice
Examples include a solar energy project of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB) in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso synod, to reduce the environmental and economic impact of the congregation’s energy consumption while improving living conditions in its facilities. In a region with temperatures reaching up to 44°C, installation of panels to generate electricity from sunlight ensures reliable air conditioning and energy supply to the church guest house. The hostel offers accommodation for people seeking a place to stay while receiving medical treatment in the city, and participants in various training courses. The 2,200-kWh solar energy produced annually in the Cuiabá community has decreased the congregation’s electricity bill by 80 percent and inspired similar initiatives in other IECLB synods.
In Europe, the Evangelical Church in Central Germany’s renewable energy program operates 11 wind turbines in five locations across Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, with a total energy capacity of 34 megawatts. The electricity produced is more than the amount consumed, making the church a net energy contributor, alongside a church law to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This transition to wind energy has resulted in a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with the country’s broader climate goals.
Improved livelihoods
In the LWF country programs in Ethiopia and Uganda, initiatives link environmental restoration with improved livelihoods. Projects such as the Gololcha Climate Resilience and Livelihoods initiative and the Adjumani Rural Livelihood Enhancement project combine reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy to strengthen food security and climate adaptation. These models underline the central role of community ownership and gender inclusion in long-term sustainability.
An aerial view of solar panels on the roof of the IECLB guest house in Cuiabá, Brazil. It offers accommodation for people seeking a place to stay while receiving medical treatment in the city. Photo: LWF/E. Albrecht
The publication concludes with shared lessons: the value of local ownership, integration of sustainable livelihoods, and the necessity of advocacy and partnerships for systemic change. Through these examples, LWF underscores that faith communities can serve as catalysts for equitable climate action, contributing to both environmental sustainability and social justice.
“We share these lessons to inspire churches to strengthen their commitment to climate justice. We highlight experiences, insights and innovative actions that demonstrate how faith, hope and action can come together to transform our world,” Cedillo added.
🔗 Download: Advocating for Climate Justice: Best Practices on the path to carbon neutrality
