Episcopal News Service

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St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Davis, California, became carbon neutral in 2021. The church has made efforts to remove grass and plant native, low-water plant species across its 2.6-acre campus.

One congregation offers case study as Episcopal Church works toward 2030 carbon neutral goal

Diverting funds from mission and ministry outreach to building upgrades makes for difficult conversations. But by 2018, St. Martin's had reduced its carbon footprint by about 60%, its annual natural gas bill by 50% and grid electricity bills by 75%, with overall energy costs reduced by nearly 20%. With the switch to an all-electric HVAC system and the 2021 installation of the last solar array on the roof of the Sunday school classroom building, St. Martin's achieved net-zero carbon. 

In the last century, Southern California has warmed by three degrees. The region is increasingly vulnerable to water scarcity, wildfires and coastal erosion. Small changes like those on St. Mary’s campus are an integral part of the wider Episcopal Church’s response to climate change. (Courtesy of St. Mary’s)

In California, drought-resistant church gardens conserve water, connect community

The Episcopal Church seeks to connect Episcopalians and others around gardening and growing food through its Good News Gardens movement. Landscaping changes at St. Mary's in Laguna Beach, California, have helped the parish not only limit its water usage but also reintegrate with the natural landscape and connect with the community.

 

 

 

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