Climate Action Success Stories
Featured Success Stories
Ezra Academy
Woodbridge, CT
Ezra Academy students are pros at reducing and redirecting food (and other kinds of potential) waste. Leftover food gets donated or turned into something new in the kitchen, and kitchen/plate scraps (including paper napkins!) get composted. At their day school, they’re not just learning about taking care of the Earth – they’re actually doing it! Check out their bouquet (fancy for ‘buckets’!) system.
Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS)
New York, NY
With a $10k matching grant from Adamah’s Climate Action Fund, JTS is converting their light fixtures to LEDs. They’re projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 69 tons and save $50,000 per year. This is a critical next step in the significant energy efficiency investments that JTS has already made in its infrastructure, such as heating systems and window replacements.
Beth Israel Congregation
Ann Arbor, MI
With a $5k grant from Adamah’s Climate Action Fund for their “Let There Be Light” project, Beth Israel switched from fluorescent to LED lighting, reducing emissions by 142.5 tons of CO2 and saving $6k in electric costs, annually. From replacing fossil-fueled furnaces with heat pumps, to using compostable kiddush cups, and planning to install a solar array, Beth Israel is committed to climate action!
Congregation Adas Yoshorun
Rockland, ME
Until recently, Adas Yoshorun’s heating system used fossil fuels. With support from a grant from Adamah’s Climate Action Fund, they switched to highly efficient heat pumps that are keeping congregants warm through cold Maine winters. They’re saving money on their heating bill, and by switching from oil to electric, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Shalom Institute
Calabasas, CA
The Shalom Institute just purchased a new camp and retreat facility in Calabasas that is 85% solar and electric! Powered by five custom SunFlower dual-axis solar panels, the campus showcases their commitment to environmental care. This new campus is part of Shalom Institute’s climate resiliency story, providing a sustainable location to run programs while they rebuild their Malibu Campus after the 2018 Woolsey Fire. A grant from Adamah’s LA Sustainability Fund helped them invest in emergency solar generators and electric landscape equipment like the “gator.”
Virginia Tech Hillel
Blacksburg, VA
At VT Hillel, Jewish tradition and sustainability go hand-in-hand. They source all of their kosher meat regeneratively from KOL Foods, and vegetables from partnerships with local farms. At Shabbat, students learn where their food comes from and how to compost leftovers, if the leftovers can’t be repurposed for a future meal!
Congregation B’nai Israel
Tustin, CA
With funding from Adamah’s Climate Action Fund: a $36k grant from the Orange County Climate Action Fund and a $100k North America Interest-Free Loan, CBI was able to install a solar carport. Now they’re saving $36k on their electricity bills and 140.6 metric tons of energy annually! Added bonus? Shade from the carport provides premier parking spots to auction off for the High Holidays and an outdoor space to hold their Purim carnival.