April 22, 2025, Middleton, WI – Holy Wisdom Monastery is now a net zero energy campus and produces 100% of its energy needs onsite from renewable resources!
Net Zero Energy Initiative
The Net Zero Energy Initiative was achieved at the end of 2024.
“The Sisters at Holy Wisdom Monastery had a desire to become a net-zero energy campus since before we built our new monastery building in 2009. We reached that goal in 2024 thanks to the work of many people. Care for the earth has been a part of the Benedictine tradition beginning with St. Benedict himself in the sixth century. Since 1953, when the sisters established the monastery, care for the earth was a primary value. We are grateful to the many people who share this value by contributing time and support for the environmental work at the monastery. This is a communal effort for the good of the earth and its people.” –Sister Lynne Smith, OSB
Almost 15 years after the completion of the LEED-certified monastery building, the sisters achieved their net zero goal with the addition of a ground-mounted solar array and the completion of a second geothermal system, which replaced a failing gas boiler in the Retreat & Guest House.
Solar Spring Tilt
90 volunteers are needed to help tilt the ground-mounted solar panels at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Join the Benedictine sisters, who are known for their radical hospitality, ecumenical monastery and care for the earth efforts, to celebrate their net zero accomplishment with the annual Spring Solar Tilt event on May 13 from 3:00-4:30 pm. Stay for an optional tour after, highlighting the features of the net zero energy projects.
The solar array at the monastery is a major component of the Net Zero Energy Initiative. The 30-panel array can be tilted vertically or horizontally, depending on the season. The panels are currently in their more vertical position which helps to shed snow and catch the lower winter sun more efficiently. They must be manually hand-cranked by teams of three people into their flat spring/summer orientation. Individuals and teams from the community and local businesses are invited to be part of the annual tilt event as participants or spectators.
Caring for the Earth
Established by the Benedictine sisters in 1953, Holy Wisdom Monastery is a Benedictine monastery and retreat and meeting center in Middleton, WI. The monastery is located on 130 acres of restored prairie, oak savanna and woodland overlooking Lake Mendota and the city of Madison. The sisters have a long history and commitment of caring for the earth. When their new monastery was built in 2009, to replace the original structure, it was awarded a Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and was the highest rated building in the world for LEED Version 2.2 new construction at the time. Other sustainability/environmental projects include dredging 85,000 cubic yards of silt from a small glacial lake that acts as a filter for runoff heading for Lake Mendota, restoring native prairie and oak savanna, installing solar panels and creating nature trails.
In a time of uncertainty and concern about climate change, Holy Wisdom Monastery continues to be an example of sustainability and land stewardship. We hope you will share in our efforts to care for the earth and join us on May 13. Please register at holywisdommonastery.org/event/spring-solar-tilt/
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Holy Wisdom Monastery welcomes all people. The mission is to weave prayer, hospitality, justice for the earth into a shared way of life. In addition to environmental education and volunteer opportunities, the monastery also offers spirituality programs, individual retreats, space for events, group meetings and retreats, weddings, memorial services and Christian church services every Sunday at 9:00 am. More information on Holy Wisdom Monastery is available at www.HolyWisdomMonastery.org.
Media Contact: Carolyn McGinley, Director of Communications
Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 County Rd. M, Middleton, WI 53562
608-831-9319; cmcginley@holywisdommonastery.org