We rode along farm roads into Monroe, Michigan and arrived on a warm afternoon at the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Motherhouse. This is a 280 acre community of over 500 vowed sisters. Their website describes an important part of their mission:

“In today’s world, people are often alienated from one another and from the Earth. There is unequal access to the resources of the planet; oppression of persons and cultures for the material benefit of a few; consumerism promoted as the preferred way of life; and devastating pollution to our land, air and water. There is a longing for spiritual expression and a balanced way of life.

Our IHM community considers sustainability a moral mandate for the 21st century. We are re-visioning our community and our entire Monroe campus in ways that respond to the wider needs of the world, focusing on the interdependency and interrelation of economic, environmental and social equity.”

Sister Sue gave us a tour of the main building — an impressive art-deco structure that was built in the 1930’s and recently renovated. Many elements of sustainable design went into the renovation, but a few energy-related highlights include:

A geothermal heating and cooling system that utilizes the Earth’s constant 55 degree temperature. Water is circulated underground through 54 miles of pipe and used to help with both heating and cooling of the 376,000 sq. foot Motherhouse.
Energy consumption was reduced by maximum use of daylighting, programmed lighting, and energy efficient lighting (including many 1930’s fixtures which were restored and updated for use with energy efficient light bulbs).
Resused & salvaged materials including doors and windows and marble.
A graywater system which saves 6,200 gallons of water a day from heading directly to an energy intensive water treatment plant. It captures water from sinks and showers and filters it through a constructed wetland before returning it to the Motherhouse for use in flushing toilets.

The average age of the 220 resident sisters is 86. These women have taken on a huge committment to offer a model for others. David and I had a fantastic time hearing about the work they have done and hopefully gained some wisdom from their learning. We gave a presentation to the sisters and to people from the local community and appeared in the local newspaper.

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