Kudos to First Green-Certified Synagogue

by: Lenny

Wed Feb 11, 2009 at 17:35:18 PM EST

Back in early 2007, we highlighted an interesting project - the construction of the very first certified first certified "green" synagogue in the nation.

Nearly two years later the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation of Evanston, IL reached its goal. In late 2008 the synagogue "went platinum." For those like myself who are not experts on green building certification, going platinum means achieving LEED Platinum-level rating from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the highest green-rated house of worship in the world. I recommend taking a look at the virtual tour on the congregation's website.

For its pioneering work, the JRC recently won the JTA's "Green Beanie Award", tied with the UJA-Federation of New York. Kudos to both organizations for moving the ball down the court in a smart, practical way that engaged and educated the membership and produced a tangible result.