Sustainability Current Events and Programs
Upcoming Event
Jewish Community Sustainability Faire –
Sunday, Oct 22 from 11am -2pm
Together with other Peninsula congregations, including Temple Beth Jacob, Etz Chayim, Beth David and Kol Emet, and in partnership with the Beth Am Youth Education team, Beth Am Men, Beth Am Women and Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, Beth Am and our Dayenu Circle will be hosting a Sustainability Fair on the Beth Am campus on Sunday, October 22nd from 11 am – 2 pm.
The Jewish Community Sustainability Fair will feature booths, workshops, and learning hosted by local agencies, volunteers and educators, as well as family activities, entertainment, food and games. Activity details are still being finalized. For more information and registration, please visit the Jewish Community Sustainability Fair page on the Beth Am website.
Current Projects
As part of the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, on May 24, 2023.the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Renew America’s Nonprofits competitive grants to install “energy-efficiency materials” in “nonprofit buildings.” This grant will invest $45 million in the nonprofit sector, providing funds to support projects that will reduce energy or fuel use in buildings owned and operated by 501(c)(3) organizations.
As a member of the Adamah Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, Shir Hadash has an opportunity to apply for funds to assist us in replacing our HVAC system, water heaters, and lighting. These grants do not cover renewable energy such as solar installations. DOE is qualifying several organizations such as Adamah as primary recipients for grants. These organizations will consolidate grant requests from 5-15 smaller organizations such as Shir Hadash and submit a request to DOE.
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, the Shir Hadash Board gave approval to prepare an application. Bruce Preville is the lead on this project. For our grant, by mid-July, we need to:
- complete the inventory of our equipment and lighting
- identify replacements
- calculate potential energy savings
- determine our implementation priorities
- Identify other sources of funding , e.g. PG&E rebates, state and county funds
This is an exciting opportunity but entails a lot of work in a very short time-frame. You can make a difference! Interested in helping? Contact Bruce at Bruce@preville.net.
In the Community
Inflation Reduction Act
How much money might you get from the “Inflation Reduction Act” by switching from gas to electricity? Tap three numbers into the calculator put out by Re-Wiring America and see the potential rebates and tax credits your family can receive by making the switch: https://www.
Get a free Smart Thermostat or Smart Plugs and help end California blackouts!