Rabbi Andrew Straus speaks during a Jan. 29 groundbreaking ceremony for Temple Emanuel's expansion project, which incorporates environmentally friendly construction methods.Photo courtesy of Glenn Davis Photography
|
|
|
In order to keep up with the demands of a congregation 540 members strong, Temple Emanuel of Tempe is undergoing a major overhaul.
This will be no ordinary remodeling, however, as members of the temple have decided to comply with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards when making the additions.
The U.S. Green Building Council created the LEED criteria to provide a standard for developing "high-performance, sustainable buildings," according to its Web site.
The temple will receive an exterior "facelift," along with a new administration wing, a new small chapel, four additional classrooms and additional parking spaces, said Robert Burgheimer, AIA, of Form5 Architecture Studio.
Although the temple will not receive official LEED certification, due to budget limitations, the renovations will be "LEED certifiable," Burgheimer said.
Rabbi Andrew Straus of Temple Emanuel said that the congregation decided to conform to the standards, despite additional costs, because they wanted to "do things in an environmentally sound way."
"It makes us partners with God in making the world a better place," he said.
The temple, which expects the expansion to be complete by fall 2007, has taken several steps to meet LEED standards, according to Straus. Among these are:
- All wood will be purchased from a commercially renewable forest, in which three trees are planted for every one harvested.
- Water will be collected in a cistern to water the gardens and demonstration area.
- Concrete will be partially made from fly ash, a waste product from coal production.
- The carpet will be made from recycled plastic and will itself be 100 percent recyclable.
- An energy-management system will be installed to prevent unoccupied rooms from being heated or cooled.
- Solar power will be used for the ner tamid, eternal light, in the sanctuary.
The building will also use recycled cotton for insulation and feature no-water urinals, said Burgheimer.
"I think it's consistent with Jewish values," he said about the environmentally friendly plans. He added that he hopes people will be "educated in the future (by) our building."
Straus agrees, saying he hopes the temple will be a "role model" for other synagogues and, eventually, all residential and commercial buildings.
|
