Custom Rich-Text Page
PROGRESS REPORTS:
THE BOSTON SYNAGOGUE, BOSTON
From the Mass. Interfaith Power & Light newsletter:
Profile in Sustainability: The Boston Synagogue
THE BOSTON SYNAGOGUE 55 Martha Road Boston, MA 02114 617-523-0453
By Jeff Steinfeld, MIP&L Executive Committee
In the early 1900s, the West End of Boston was home to a diverse community of immigrant groups. During the "urban renewal" of the 1960s, much of this community was demolished, including numerous houses of worship in the area. One of these old synagogues, Congregation Beth Hamidrash Hagodol Beth Jacob, secured a tract of land in the development area and reconstituted itself as the Charles River Park (now The Boston) Synagogue.
Several years ago, Boston Synagogue's increasing awareness of environmental and energy issues such as climate change – as well as increasing utility costs – led them to consider ways to reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption. MA Interfaith Power & Light made an initial evaluation of the situation and made recommendations.
The results of the energy improvements made are dramatic. During 2009 Boston Synagogue reduced their carbon emissions by 70 %. Their annual energy costs have decreased by 57 % during this period, and annual repair and maintenance bills dropped. As a result, the estimated payback time on their capital investment is about 5 years.
The Energy Improvements
One of Boston Synagogues major challenges was that their HVAC system was becoming increasingly costly and unreliable. The existing system, which was original to the building, relied on generating steam in a coal burning power station in Boston, piping the steam across the city, using the steam to heat air in the synagogue's basement, and forcing the heated air through ducts in the building until the sanctuary started to warm up. This highly inefficient and expensive system required several hours to heat the space once it was turned on.
After reviewing several alternatives, the synagogue selected an air-source heat pump system with a variable inverter-driven compressor that only works as hard as needed, and which generates hot or cold air in the sanctuary space within minutes of turn-on. A 15-ton compressor unit was specified, and in the first phase four 2.5-ton air handlers were installed. The experience with this unit was so satisfactory that during summer 2009, two additional 2.5-ton air handlers were installed. The full system, utilizing balanced air flows and programmable thermostats, has met all heating and cooling needs, so that no coal-generated steam needed to be used during 2009.
Boston Synagogue made additional energy savings improvements, including installing additional roof insulation, replacing incandescent floodlights that were on 24/7 with CFLs, and replacing an original-equipment food storage refrigerator with a new Energy Star® model. All of these measures have contributed to this remarkable energy use reduction, but the major cause has been the new HVAC system.
Ethical Principle
In addition to cost savings, the Boston Synagogue's energy efficiency program actualizes the principle of tikkun olam, or "repairing/perfecting the world", in Jewish ethics. When connections have been broken between human individuals, human society, and the larger natural systems of which we are all a part and on which we all depend, it is our obligation to repair those connections. The Synagogue's efforts to reduce their environmental footprint recognize the renewal of the natural world following the winter season, and are grounded in this basic ethical principle.
Communications
During this process, Boston Synagogue has communicated actively with their membership and the wider community. A summary of the actions taken and the results achieved appears on their web site at http://bostonsynagogue.org/green.html. The themes of environmental preservation and tikkun olam have been frequently discussed during religious services, particularly on Tu b'Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat).
AM HAYAM CAPE COD HAVURAH, BREWSTER
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 7:06 PM
From: "Judy K" < jkelle47@verizon.net >
Greetings from Cape Cod;
At our last Board meeting, Am HaYam Cape Cod Havurah voted to support the "Go Green" pledge of the COEJL.
Although we do not have our own building, we are planning to increase our recycling efforts and encourage our members to bring their own coffee mugs to our programs and services. We are also eliminating the use of all Styrofoam products.
Best Wishes,
Judy Keller
President, Am HaYam Cape Cod Havurah
CONGREGATION KEHILLATH ISRAEL, BROOKLINE
Dear Susie,
Representing KI (Congregation Kehillath Israel, Brookline), we'd like to sign on to the pledge. We already have a committee actively working in this area. Glad you are doing this.
Shulamit Kahn, President
Congregation Kehillath Israel
384 Harvard St.
Brookline MA 02446
Synagogue Telephone: 617-277-9155
TEMPLE SINAI, BROOKLINE
Re: Requesting "The Green Guide for Mass. Synagogues"
From: "Zipora Ostroy"
Cc: "Mark Goldner" , "Rabbi Andrew Vogel"
Hi Susie,
Temple Sinai is trying to become greener, and it's an effort in which I am involved. I've copied Mark Goldner, our Environmental Committee chair, and Rabbi Vogel on this email so they know what this conversation is about.
I saw the listing about the Green Guide by following the links that started with an email I got from SCM. Other than sending you an email, I didn't know anything else about it, including the cost. As I said, we are interested and committed to this, but any specifics we could get would be useful. It's also possible that the presentation you're developing about this would benefit our congregation - we certainly should continue to talk.
Sinai's three-part class on environmental issues concluded last Sunday. With the sessions split between an environmental scientist talking about his area and Rabbi Vogel giving the Jewish perspective from the texts, it was a terrific combination.
So many of the things you mentioned I've not heard of, such as GesherCity, the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, and interfaith climate control ventures in the Boston area. (I've only been in the area three years so that may account for some of it; both Mark and Rabbi Vogel may be familiar with them.) Not only is Temple Sinai interested in greening, but we are also interested in community and interfaith cooperative ventures.
Thanks for the work you're doing on this. I'm looking forward to continued discussions.
Zippy
CONGREGATION SHA’ARAY SHALOM, HINGHAM
Currently we do the following.
· Email our Bulleting instead of mailing it.
· Reuse the back side of paper for in house drafts and reports.
· Take all boxes and paper to recycling center instead of putting in the dumpster.
· Recycle bottles and cans at recycling center
· Use programmable thermostats for heating and cooling
· Use dishes instead of paper and plastic utensils whenever possible
· Have many zones for heating and cooling.
· We do not have plantings that require weekly or daily watering.
· Do not use serve water in individual bottles. Use pitchers and paper cups instead
· Do not serve single serving sodas or juices
· Do not use plastic cups
Ellen Bernstein
Executive Director
Congregation Sha’aray Shalom
1112 Main Street
Hingham, MA 02043
781-749-8103
TEMPLE EMANUEL OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY, LOWELL
| Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley had the first ever solar-powered Ner Tamid, installed in the 1970s. We have always strived to be gentle on the environment through recycling and making wise choices (such as using real plates, glasses, and cutlery for oneg and functions rather than disposable). Several years ago, we replaced our incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs, changing fixtures when necessary. As we are able, we insulate and weather-proof. Last year, we replaced our boiler and hot water system with an energy efficient model, which has reduced our gas usage as well as keeping us much more comfortable. We will be continuing to transition to green cleaning products. Please contact me at srl@surfbest.net if more information is needed. |
Added: Temple Emanuel received an Honorable Mention from the City of Lowell's Green Building Commission for its efforts in becoming more energy efficient, and members participated in Earth Hour last weekend (I can see about the exact numbers if you want them).
TEMPLE TIFERETH ISRAEL, MALDEN
Ordered a free energy audit from NStar
NStar then paid 50 percent of the costs of all renovations, which saved money as well.
TEMPLE SHALOM / THE WILLIAM AND CHARLOTTE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, MEDFORD
Our social action committee has been greening our synagogue for about three years. It began when we had a group of six families work on the Low Carbon Diet after we brought a speaker in.We have changed light bulbs, recycle at our synagogue, secular preschool and summer camp. Since our trash pick up company does not recycle and the city of Medford will not pick up our trash since we are a non-profit, one of our congregants takes all of our recyclables to the transfer station in his town for recycling. We stopped using paper plates and cups for onegs and Kiddush and now use our beautiful antique china. We replaced thermostats with programmable ones, outside lights are on timers. The windows in our sanctuary were replaced with new energy efficient windows. We also started an organic garden last summer, watered with collected rain water, and donated the produce to a local shelter. We also send an e-bulletin for anyone who has email.
Melanie Kenion, Chair, Social Action Committee
| TEMPLE ALIYAH, NEEDHAM I've chaired the Green Committee since its inception last year. We were just getting underway when the Temple decided to adopt Haganat HaTeva (Appreciating and Protecting Nature) as our theme for the year. So we accomplished a few things and then started organizing the Energy Fair. Last year: We identified a vendor for soy-based utensils and have attempted to order (although inventory is sometimes not available). We had 2 energy audits through NSTAR, replaced many bulbs with CFLs, and have dimmable CFLs waiting to be installed. Started looking at recycling, but need to spend more time on this. This year: Organized outings to Spectacle Island and Blue Hills Reservation (part of our theme of "appreciating nature"), and are now fully immersed in planning for the Energy Fair on Jan. 9. I've pasted our promotional blurb below, to give you a sense of what the fair encompasses. Thanks for your interest, and please let me know if you have more questions. Best, Vicki Vicki L. Krupp Green Committee, Temple Aliyah |
| Please join us for the Temple Aliyah community-wide Energy Fair on Sunday, January 9, 10:30 - 1:30 - a fun, educational event for the whole family. Featuring: - Table top exhibitors with information on every aspect of green living, from solar panels to pesticide-free lawn care to high-efficiency appliances - A panel discussion on energy audits to improve your home's efficiency and save you money - Plug-in electric Ford Escape and hybrid Ford Fusion for viewing - An interactive Radio Disney educational program for children ages 5 to 13, on energy conservation and safety - And much more! All are welcome! See flyer for details. |
TEMPLE BETH AVODAH, NEWTON
Rachel White
617.905.6925
"Keith Stern", "Hallie Pinta", "Paul Holt"
Green Highlights 2007-2009
Hosted an annual Green Fair & Trade Show (08 & 09). The 09 Fair featured 30+ vendors of green products and services and attracted 300+ visitors.
Introduced environmental education programming into our Religious School, including our Brit Adamah Project(Covenant with the Earth).
Switched to organic, fair-trade, shade grown coffee roasted by Pierce Brothers of Western, MA.
Implemented No-Idling Policy.
Reduced paper use by 30%.
Expanded the Temple’s recycling program to include glass, plastic and metal.
Audited the Temple’s use of energy for heating & cooling and implemented measures to increase efficiency and conservation.
Switched to recycled-content paper products and to non-toxic cleaning products.
vInstalled a smart irrigation system.
2010-2011 Co-Chairs: Hallie Pinta and Paul Holt
http://www.bethavodah.org/index.php?page=green-committee
TEMPLE EMANUEL, NEWTON CENTRE
Sarah of Temple Emanuel, Newton for sharing the following ideas:
- Installed new HVAC system, Metasys, computer controlled; operates according to outside temperature.
- Replaced 90 watt spots and ballasts in common areas with 75 watt spots and new ballasts.
- Put certain lighting areas, such as the outside, on automatic timers.
- Replacing old hot water heaters with individual hot water units for each kitchen and bathroom.
- Purchased seven refurbished office stations for Main Office.
- Placed recycle bins for paper, co-mingled, and trash in every room, as well as signage on their use. Orientation to their use was done with custodial staff and with all groups within the synagogue. Purchased new custodial cart designed to handle different waste streams.
- Lobbying the City of Newton to pick up recyclables from area non-profits and to change waste vendor contract to that effect. Temple Emanuel is now part of the city's pilot program to pick up paper recyclables from area non-profits - done on a weekly basis.
- Contracted with Save That Stuff www.savethatstuff.org for co-mingled recyclables on a monthly basis.
- Reaching out to area non-profits to engage them in greening and in lobbying for city recycle pick-up.
- Moved from plastic cups to paper. Convinced morning Minyan to use renewable metal cutlery instead of plastic at their daily breakfasts.
- Purchased non-toxic cleaning products.
- Requested that religious school curriculum include environmental material - Jewish texts that promote environmental stewardship.
- Presenting green options for Bar and Bat Mitzvah "mitzvah" projects.
- Provided our first "green-as-we-can" kiddush with sustainably grown/low spray kosher wine, free trade organic coffee and tea, and organic milk - recycle bins prominently in place.
- Held a Green Shabbat at the congregation, with a short speech from our Ecology Committee and information tables during kiddush.
MA’YAN TIKVA: A WELLSPRING OF HOPE, WAYLAND
Everything is vegetarian and we avoid throwaway dishes and utensils. We make every effort to carpool, and we always recycle everything possible. We also use as little paper as possible. And we avoid heating costs by being outside.