This article was originally posted on the EarthCraft website. Learn more about all the EarthCraft programs and see more stories like this at www.earthcraft.org
Young Israel of Toco Hills, a Modern Jewish Orthodox community in Atlanta, Georgia, first opened its doors in 1994. Ten years ago, the synagogue realized that it was quickly outgrowing its space and began planning for a larger facility.
The new 13,200 square foot synagogue achieved EarthCraft Light Commercial Gold level certification. The building is more than four times larger than the synagogue’s original space and includes a sanctuary as well as smaller rooms for children’s groups, Torah classes and administrative offices.
The project team diverted 89.5 percent of all construction waste from landfills. Though the building is zoned for 200 parking spaces, a variance was obtained to use just 67 of those spaces since the majority of the congregation walks to services. Preferred spaces are reserved for electric and hybrid cars as well as carpools, and electric car charging stations were installed. Read more on the story about Young Israel and see the team that made the project possible here.
