Decreasing Our Carbon Footprint

Energy Conservation

Energy Audit and Follow Up

Through funding from the Ann Arbor 2030 District and Adamah, we successfully completed an energy audit of the main synagogue and the 2010 building. As part of the audit, the Ann Arbor 2030 District helped us set up the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM) software, which is connected to DTE and monitors our monthly energy usage. The audit recommended motion sensors, LED lights, roof insulation, and replacing the kitchen exhaust system. We have begun this work by installing motion sensors in the main-floor synagogue bathrooms and staff kitchen and replacing some hallway lights with LED lighting. We did not install a motion sensor in the library bathroom in the event that members would like to use the bathroom on Shabbat or holidays without the concern of switching on electricity through a motion sensor. Money for these projects came from Adamah/Hazon, the Social Action Committee, and BIC. As recommended by the Audit, we have engaged an engineering firm to produce a whole-system design and timeline for improving insulation and for replacing aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and kitchen cooking and ventilating systems with efficient, zero-carbon equipment. The recommended schematic design is currently being reviewed by the building committee and the BIC board of directors.  The full audit is available here

• Synagogue Building (2000 Washtenaw)

  • Report (Click for PDF)

  • Appendix (Click for PDF)

• 2010 Building (2010 Washtenaw)

  • Report (Click for PDF)

  • Appendix (Click for PDF)

BIC purchases compostable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils. We collect all food items and compostable dinnerware from the weekly Shabbat Kiddush. The City of Ann Arbor picks up and composts these items. Composting is facilitated by weekly announcements, signage over the waste containers in the social hall, and by Green Team volunteers standing near the disposal bins. Beginning January 1, 2024, Ann Arbor’s composting contractor has changed the certification standard for what can be composted (from Biodegradable Products Institute, BPI, to Compost Manufacturing Alliance – Windrow, CMA-W), which will affect what we can compost. Beth Israel is responding to these changes and will purchase the appropriate items.  For more information on this change, click here.