One Church's 20-Year Quest for Carbon Neutrality

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Davis, Calif., 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. Photo: Lynette Wilson/Episcopal News Service

Then, when the heat went out, so did the reluctance to put an end to the parish’s dependence on fossil fuels. The parish installed an all-electric heat pump system, replaced functioning gas-powered appliances with electric versions and installed a third solar array. By 2021, St. Martin’s had become carbon neutral and was certified by Interfaith Power & Light as a “cool congregation.”

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An image of the November 2026 issue of Sojourners, titled "Face to Face." It features George Lakey on the cover
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