Since 2019, the Reformed Church of Zurich, Switzerland, parish has been part of the Blue Community Network and is actively committed to protecting water as a vital resource. With the launch of the Green Rooster Process in 2023, it aims to make its environmental impact measurable and continuously improve it. This EMAS-certified environmental management system provides a framework for fulfilling ecological responsibility in a structured manner. The newly developed water flow diagram transparently shows where the water comes from and where it flows – an important step in considering aspects beyond mere network water usage, such as infiltration, rainwater management, and green space irrigation.
The analysis clearly shows that water should be retained and infiltrated on-site wherever possible – a principle that not only aligns with legal requirements but also with the church’s mission to steward creation. Water holds strong symbolic and spiritual significance within the church context, which can be further emphasized through educational projects. The publicly accessible parks of the Zurich parish make a vital contribution to the ecological and hydrological balance of the city. Given the increasing frequency of hot summers, the parish thus assumes a special responsibility to strengthen the natural water cycle. The water flow diagram serves as a valuable tool for planning and implementing targeted measures for sustainable water use.
The diagram was developed in cooperation with Vuna GmbH .
Link to the report (PDF German)
Water flow diagram using only water from the drinking water network:
Water flow diagram with mains water and rainwater:
