San Jose diocese: Going Green Leader

According to a press release, Photon Energy Services, a leading developer and integrator of solar electric generation systems, has unveiled plans to create one of the largest Catholic solar projects in America working in collaboration with the San Jose, Calif., dicoese. Partnering with five parish/school combinations and one cemetery, Photon will provide solar energy for Holy Spirit, Holy Family, St. Christopher, Queen of Apostles, St. Lucy and Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos.

Phase one of the installation begins this month and will continue through the early summer. Once complete, the systems will generate enough electricity to provide approximately 70 percent of each site's collective electrical needs. Dustin Keele, executive vice president of Photon stated, "Over the life of the system, the six sites will eliminate approximately 19,000 tons of CO2. That is equivalent to planting 345 acres of trees or removing 4,740 cars from the road for one year."

"I applaud the leadership of the Phase 1 participants who have set a wonderful example for our community by addressing growing environmental concerns," said Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. "This is only the beginning for us. We will soon launch the Catholic Green Initiative of Santa Clara County, a coordinated effort to encourage the Catholic community and all people of faith to examine how we use and share the earth's resources. We are all called to protect the wonderful gifts that our God has entrusted to us," the bishop said.