The Clean Energy for Merigar project was made possible through the support of the Italian Buddhist Union (UBI), which believed in our vision and contributed the necessary funds for its implementation. Thanks to this grant, Merigar has been able to embark on a concrete path toward energy autonomy and environmental sustainability, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and improving the efficiency of its facilities. This intervention is not only a benefit for the Gar, but represents a model of sustainable development that can inspire other similar realities. On behalf of the entire Community, we express our deep gratitude to UBI for this extraordinary opportunity.
Merigar is a place of great spiritual and cultural value, founded in 1981 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, it welcomes practitioners from all over the world. Located in the hills of Mt. Amiata, the center has always tried to harmonize its activities with its surroundings. However, harsh winter weather and high fossil fuel consumption have necessitated a significant shift toward a more sustainable energy model.
With the Clean Energy for Merigar project, a transformation was initiated that has improved the center’s energy autonomy and reduced its environmental impact. Two photovoltaic systems of 17.80 kWp each, equipped with 40.5 kWh storage systems, were installed to ensure energy continuity and reduce dependence on the power grid. In addition, high-efficiency heating systems were implemented with heat pumps, optimized to ensure uniform and programmable air conditioning in the main buildings.
From Vision to Implementation
The main goal of the project was to reduce fossil fuel consumption and ensure a more efficient energy system for the main buildings: the Yellow House, the Gönpa (the Temple of Great Contemplation), and the Zi House (Zikhang). The intervention consisted of several key phases:
Installation of photovoltaic panels
The photovoltaic systems, placed on the roofs of the Yellow House and Zi House, ensure a constant supply of energy, reducing dependence on the national grid. The energy produced is collected in storage systems, making it possible to manage peak demand and ensure continuity even in case of blackouts, a rather frequent phenomenon in Merigar.
For both facilities, the photovoltaic panels were chosen to be embedded in the roof covering, improving aesthetic integration and ensuring maximum solar exposure.
Roof maintenance and improvement
The installation of the solar panels was accompanied by extraordinary maintenance work on the roofs.
At the Zi House, deteriorated materials were replaced with stronger cement tiles, waterproofing tar paper was applied, roof ridges were redone, and copper roofing was installed on the wooden rafters to increase their durability. In addition, gutters were repaired and lifelines installed, which are essential to ensure safety in future maintenance.
Similar work was also carried out at the Yellow House, with the ridges being repaired and tar paper being applied in uncovered areas. In addition, photovoltaic panels were embedded in the roof, improving its aesthetic integration.
A more efficient heating system
The new heat pumps installed in the Gönpa and Zi House provide a more efficient heating system than the old fossil fuel burning systems. Using a remote management system, our Geko caretaker can schedule the heating according to the needs of different activities. For example, a higher temperature is maintained for Yantra Yoga, while a cooler environment is preferred for Khaita dances.
In the Gönpa, the system has been upgraded by replacing all the convectors and adding two units for more even heat distribution. In addition, the new system offers the possibility of cooling the area during the summer.
Monitoring and Expected Results
To ensure maximum system performance, the project includes one year of monitoring through a dedicated system that records in real time:
- PV energy production
- Building consumption
- The use of the batteries and the energy fed into the grid.
Annual production is estimated at 42,720 kWh, which is enough to cover Merigar’s energy needs and provide greater autonomy than traditional energy sources. At the end of the first year of operation, data on production and energy savings achieved will be shared.
A More Sustainable Future for Merigar
As a result of this project, the Gönpa will be able to be used more frequently even in the winter months due to reduced heating costs. In addition, maintaining a more stable temperature will help preserve its valuable paintings and decorations, as well as preserve the wooden structure and ensure its longevity.
This transformation is not only an immediate benefit for Merigar, but also an example of how spirituality and environmental sustainability can be combined. Reducing ecological impact, improving comfort and ensuring energy efficiency of the facilities means investing in a more environmentally conscious and harmonious future.
A Special Thanks
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Italian Buddhist Union for making this project possible, to architect Gabriele Franza for directing the work, to Cvetko and Domenico for their daily commitment, and to the patience of Francesca, who followed the entire administrative part with dedication.
It was an honor to participate in the realization of this project, which was successfully completed thanks to the effort of many people. We believe that an excellent job was done, which is fundamental for the energetic future of Merigar and for allowing practitioners to experience the center to its fullest, throughout the year.
