The school colors may be blue and white, “but Our Lady of Mount Carmel is going green,” and one church parishioner is being honored for his work.

The Providence Diocese has announced Patrick “Pat” McCarthy will receive the prestigious Lumen Gentium Award, granted to members of the Catholic diocese “who have demonstrated outstanding service to the church in their parish, the Diocese of Providence and/or the local community at large. The honorees are a sign of God’s grace at work.”

McCarthy, who will receive his award during a banquet Thursday evening has certainly served his parish — along with the community and the environment at large. The Mount Carmel parish finance council member spearheaded efforts to install solar panels atop the roof of the parish school. McCarthy secured grants — from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (which he managed for three years) and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Renewable Energy Fund — to finance the cost of the panels and the installation, eliminating the upfront cost to the parish while completely eliminating the school’s electricity bill.

The 160 solar panels are saving the parish more than $12,000 a year in power costs, with a projected saving of more than $300,000 over the life of the panels.

In addition to saving the school significant money, McCarthy’s efforts are helping to reduce its carbon footprint, generating its own clean energy instead of buying power generated through fossil fuels like gas and coal that contribute greatly to global warming.

There is also an educational component for the school, allowing science classes to study solar energy and monitor a weather station mounted to the roof, which transmits local weather conditions in real time.

Mount Carmel Principal Janet Maloney nominated McCarthy for the award, which is given to just 15 Rhode Island Catholics among hundreds of nominations.

“She thought my contribution was worthy of the award,” McCarthy said. “I didn’t do it for an award — I don’t think anyone (of the recipients) did. I feel quite humbled and honored to be awarded. It’s a highlight.”

McCarthy’s solar efforts haven’t stopped with the school. He also serves as public ambassador for the Solarize Bristol Program, an effort to get solar panels installed on homes throughout the town. Residents have until June 26 to sign up for the program and take advantage of cost savings the group buying power allows. Visit www.solarizeri.com/solarize-bristol for more information and to sign up.