Green Synagogue - Judaism & The Environment | Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation of Evanston, IL

Green Synagogue

Judaism & The Environment

Our Building

Schedule a Tour

Ask Us

Resources

Why Build Green?

By studying the Jewish principle of Bal Tashchit, which appears in biblical text as well as in later rabbinic interpretation, we can learn about a Jewish environmental ethic which teaches "do not destroy or waste".

Further, in Ecclesiastes we read: "God led Adam around the Garden of Eden and said, ‘Look at My works. See how beautiful they are, how excellent. See to it that you do not spoil or destroy My world — for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you.’" (Midrash Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:13)

As the built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity-- any building planning process becomes an opportunity to be a Values-Based Decision Making Process, a chance for who we are and what we believe to take shape and form as what we do.

In the United States, buildings account for:

36% of total energy use/65% of electricity consumption
30% of greenhouse gas emissions
30% of raw materials use
30% of waste output/136 million tons annually
12% of potable water consumption

Environmental benefits:

Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
Improve air and water quality
Reduce solid waste
Conserve natural resources

Economic benefits:

Reduce operating costs
Enhance asset value and profits
Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health and community benefits:

Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments
Enhance occupant comfort and health
Minimize strain on local infrastructure
Contribute to overall quality of life

To schedule a docent-led tour of the building, please call the JRC Office at 847-328-7678.