Green Initiatives

Shir Hadash Works to Reduce Energy Use

In 2002, Congregation Shir Hadash installed a 10 kW photovoltaic (PV) system on its religious school roof to enable the congregation to use the renewable power of the sun for a portion of its electric needs. At the time it was estimated that this installation would reduce emissions the equivalent of driving approximately 32,097 miles in an average passenger car, and reduce CO2 emissions equal to the CO2 absorbed by approximately 4 acres of trees in one year.

Since then, the Congregation has implemented other green projects, including:

• Installation of motion detectors in classrooms.
• Use of natural heat and lighting in the congregation’s recent remodel.
• A variety of educational programs for the congregation.

Visit the Green Team’s home page to learn how you can take action to conserve water.

Holiday-Related Celebrations

The Temple’s green team hosted two wonderful Tu Bishvat Seders over the past two years and did educational work with the membership on issues related to waste and composting, and around carpooling. The Green Team also partners with other groups inside and outside of the congregation. On January 13th, in partnership with the Adult Education Committee and the Men’s Club, the Green Team sponsored a talk by Gretchen Daily on Conservation. Dr. Daily is a professor at Stanford University and a leading conservationist.

The Green Team is part of the Social Action Committee and those interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Social Action chair at .