Building Renewal Environmental Sustainability

In keeping with Jewish traditions about human stewardship and care for the earth, The Narayever is committed to environmental sustainability. We are using the opportunity presented by our building renewal project to make some significant environmental improvements. In addition to achieving our dream of an accessible synagogue, our renovated building will include a number of measures that make the operation of the building much more sustainable and energy efficient, allowing us to reduce our impact on the environment while minimizing costs.

In addition to achieving our dream of an accessible synagogue, the renovated building will also include a number of measures that make the operation of the building much more sustainable and efficient while minimizing costs.

These include:

• Maintaining most of the existing shul building. [Why does this matter?]¹
• By reusing the existing materials, we avoid filling landfill with them, and we avoid buying new materials that often are not as good as the old materials.
• Masonry is “carbon emission”-rich material (it gets fired in a kiln) not to mention the production of mortar. By limiting the amount of new masonry and mortar,  we are avoiding unnecessary carbon emission from the production of new masonry and additional mortar.

And because our building predates the Building Code, we are able to keep the windows on the north and side walls.

This means we are able to have more natural light and save on electricity consumption. We could not have these windows if we were building a new building.

• New high efficiency heating and air conditioning system
• LED light fixtures both new and replacement of existing
• New low flow toilets which reduce water consumption
• New storm water and sewage management system
• Low VOC paints (Volatile Organic Compounds) which keep the atmosphere freer from chemicals
• New green roof [what's this?]² which will lead to improved stormwater management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Double glazing in both new and existing windows which make the heating & air conditioning even more efficient
• Insulation in the roof
• Solar panels on the roof to reduce our electricity needs
• Aero barrier to protect the building from air leakage and weather sealing

1. By reusing the existing materials, we avoid filling landfill with them, and we avoid buying new materials that often, are not as good as the old materials. Masonry is “carbon emission”-rich material (it gets fired in a kiln) not to mention the production of mortar. By limiting the amount of new masonry and mortar, we are avoiding unnecessary carbon emission from the production of new masonry and additional mortar. And because our building predates the Building Code, we are able to keep the windows on the north and side walls. This means we are able to have more natural light and save on electricity consumption. We could not have these windows if we were building a new building.

2. A "green roof" is exactly that. It has grass and other living materials growing on it. Buildings are increasingly including green roofs because they provide insulation, take carbon out of the atmosphere and protect the roof structure. As well, our green roof will store storm water and slow down drainage which will assist in limiting flooding.