FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Temple Israel’s Historic Minneapolis Campus is First Synagogue in the World to Achieve LEED Gold Certification for an Existing Building

Minneapolis, MN – April 9, 2024 – Temple Israel proudly announces its almost century-old Emerson Campus has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, marking a significant milestone in the synagogue's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This achievement makes Temple Israel the first synagogue globally to earn LEED Gold certification for an existing building, spotlighting its leadership in and long history of living out the values of Jewish tradition to improve our world.

LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and used worldwide, is the most widely used green building rating system for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. Temple Israel was accepted as a USGBC Legacy Project, a program designed to support projects that will have a lasting impact on a community.

To achieve LEED Gold Certification, facilities are awarded points in various categories including water efficiency, energy & atmosphere, material & resources, and indoor environmental quality. Also noteworthy is Temple's commitment to remaining in a dense urban location, which promotes the use of alternative transportation methods. The project was awarded 67 points, surpassing the stringent requirements of LEED Gold Certification. These points were earned through countless volunteer hours, critical facility updates and policy changes. Additionally, efforts to become more energy efficient support the Board-approved goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

For Rabbi Marcia A. Zimmerman, Temple Israel’s senior rabbi, this is another example of the congregation’s long-standing commitment to interpreting an ancient tradition in a way that has present-day impacts. “Judaism teaches us that God created human beings to be mindful stewards of our planet, not careless consumers. Working to achieve LEED Gold Certification was truly holy work, and our highest expression of Jewish values,” said Zimmerman.

Temple Israel invites the community to join in celebrating this remarkable achievement at a special dedication and Shabbat service on Friday, April 12 at 5:45 p.m. at 2323 Fremont Ave in Minneapolis. This event will honor the collective efforts and dedication that have led

to this momentous occasion, further cementing Temple Israel's role as a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

For more information about Temple Israel's sustainability initiatives and the upcoming celebration, please contact:

Rabbi Jason Rodich, Director of Communications
jrodich@templeisrael.com
612-374-0315

About Temple Israel
Temple Israel is the largest Jewish congregation in Minnesota and among the largest in the United States. Temple Israel has a long history of commitment to social and environmental justice, continually innovating so that Jewish wisdom inspires its members as they navigate and improve the ever-changing world.