Congregation Beth HaTephila Pioneers Solar Energy and Green Infrastructure in Asheville, NC
Forced to close for six weeks due to Hurricane Helene, Congregation Beth HaTephila (CBHT) in Asheville, North Carolina chooses to prioritize climate resilience planning.
As members of Adamah’s Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition (Coalition) – a network of Jewish organizations committed to taking climate action – CBHT has emerged as a leader in religious institutional sustainability, implementing comprehensive environmental initiatives to serve their 1,200-member community. Facing real-world challenges has led their Sustainability Committee to discuss preparing for future climate-related disruptions, focusing on the role of communal support from other North Carolina Jewish organizations, which proved crucial during their recovery.
In a major step towards clean energy adoption, CBHT completed the installation of a significant 73-kilowatt solar array. Additionally, the synagogue has made impressive strides in energy efficiency with a full conversion to LED lighting, installation of motion detectors, and implementation of a white roof to reduce cooling costs. Their 32,402-square-foot facility continues to evolve with sustainability in mind, as they research updating their HVAC system to remove gas components as part of their broader electrification goals.
A standout feature of CBHT’s environmental strategy is their innovative approach to green infrastructure. During a temple expansion project, they implemented sophisticated water management solutions, including a bioretention area in the parking lot with specially mixed soils that clean runoff. The congregation also installed grass swales and strategically placed downspouts to direct water flow into planted areas, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable landscaping practices.
In order to reduce food-related emissions the congregation provides vegetarian and vegan options at events in addition to implementing robust food waste reduction practices, such as composting and food upcycling programs. During their congregational retreats, all communal meals are required to be vegetarian. These efforts will be turned into official food-policy for the entire synagogue.
CBHT is a leader in community education and advocacy, as featured in this piece in the local paper, having recently hosted a notable event featuring climate scientist Zeke Hausfather and local climate experts. They presented their environmental accomplishments at the Creation Care Alliance Symposium and they partner with organizations like GreenWorks for litter cleanup initiatives as well as regular community service.
Their success with solar implementation and support from Adamah’s Coalition has had a ripple effect within the organization. As they noted in their climate action plan:
“Being part of the Coalition was instrumental in convincing our board to go forward with our solar project.”
CBHT’s climate initiatives are creating lasting institutional change.
Looking ahead, CBHT continues to explore new sustainability opportunities, including potential expansion of their environmental, social and governance, commonly known as “ESG” investments and further development of their climate justice practices. As they plan for their transition away from fossil fuels, they are also actively seeking funding sources for HVAC conversion grants – like the Adamah Climate Action Fund – with guidance from Adamah’s Coalition.
Congregation Beth HaTephila demonstrates how religious institutions can effectively integrate environmental stewardship into their operations while maintaining their mission and values.