Global temperatures continue to rise, breaking records every year; fires, floods and other extreme weather events are increasing at a rapid pace.
As climate change accelerates, individuals and organizations are looking for ways to address climate concerns, invest in sustainability, protect our waters and make sure our critical resources, such as food, are used responsibly.
The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore is at the forefront of these efforts. More than a decade ago, it made a decision to go green, beginning with recycling, then moving on to a Green Loan Fund and solar power.
“That decision,” says Ben Gershowitz, vice president of facilities at The Associated, “is part of our corporate mission and values, which is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jewish culture. It drives our commitment to be good stewards of the environment.”
Adds Mark Smolarz, CFO of The Associated, “We recognize that by investing in the environment and safeguarding our resources today, we will leave a better, more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.”
Last year, The Associated became the only Jewish federation to be a founding member of the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, powered by Adamah, the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America. As a member, the organization released a Climate Action Plan that outlined the strategic efforts for The Associated network.
Here are a few ways The Associated is leading the effort to address the growing threat of climate change.
Commitment to Solar Power
Several years ago, The Associated entered into an agreement to have a solar farm constructed on a warehouse complex in Baltimore City. Today, solar powers 50% of the electrical needs of The Associated network, which includes the two JCCs, the Myerberg and other Associated owned buildings that house many of its agencies.
The ultimate goal is to reach 100% in the next three years, making it the first Jewish federation entirely powered by solar.
Green Loan Fund
More than 10 years ago, The Associated established a Green Loan Fund to provide low-interest loans to Jewish organizations. Several years ago, they opened this fund to other faith-based nonprofits in greater Baltimore.
Nonprofits can take advantage of up to $170,000 over a five-year period to improve their energy efficiency.
Since its establishment, organizations such as Beth Tfiloh Congregation, Beth Israel Congregation and the JCC have used these loans to support energy conservation through lighting upgrades and renovations to heating and cooling systems, saving their organizations significant money in utility bills, while helping the environment.
We are continuing to increase this fund — currently we have $1 million available.
In addition, in recent years, Pearlstone, an Associated agency, has assumed the responsibility for the Green Loan Fund. Today, we have expanded it, taking it nationally so that organizations around the country can improve their energy efficiency.
Launch of The Baltimore Environmental Sustainability Network (BESN)
This fall saw the launch of the new Baltimore Sustainability Network (BESN), created to focus on implementing eco-friendly practices in the region.
BESN aims to educate Jewish community members about Jewish views on climate activism. Adamah is the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America.
In addition to education, BESN is engaging the community and promoting sustainability through legislative advocacy and community hands-on programming.
This includes Adamah’s and the Baltimore Jewish Council’s (BJC) recent Annual Environmental Forum, where participants learned about our environmental advocacy efforts in the upcoming Maryland legislative session. Among its many efforts, BJC will be in Annapolis at the Maryland General Assembly this winter to testify in support of important environmental legislation.
And on March 25, BESN is planning a program focused on food waste which reduces our carbon footprint. Other programs include a Green Mitzvah Fair the weekend of May 4 at the Myerberg Center.
Tree Plantings
The Associated, through BESN, is partnering with the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland to meet their respective goals of planting 500,000 and five million trees, respectively over the next five years. Already, over 500 trees were planted at The Associated’s Pearlstone campus, and several tree planting community events were held at area synagogues through BESN.
Look for more opportunities this year to get involved.
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