Energy Independence

American Jewish Committee, New York, NY, National and International

The American Jewish Committee, begun in 1906, promotes pluralistic and democratic societies where all minorities are protected, and all people are accorded respect and dignity.  One of AJC’s key priorities is energy independence and they are determined to become one of the first Jewish non-profits in the country with green certification for its national headquarters.  In New York City they have implemented a Green Building Project, in which the building they have occupied since 1956 has undergone vast improvements in energy efficiency and environmental health in order to achieve LEED certification for an existing building (LEED-EB).  The five standards to achieve LEED-EB certification are: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.  The programs already begun include:

1) A bold recycling program that reduces the building's waste stream by diverting recyclable items away from landfills, such as the proper removal and disposal of fluorescent lamps, ballasts and e-waste (office equipment including computers, printers, and fax machines), and recycling more than half of the construction waste that is produced in office renovations and building maintenance and upgrades.

2) A lighting reduction program that eliminates unnecessary fixtures, improves the efficiency of existing lighting, and encourages staff to turn off lights when they are not in their offices.

3) A green cleaning policy that has replaced traditional cleaning methods with less toxic and more eco-friendly alternatives. This program shows a serious concern for staff and tenants.

4) A Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Bonus Program which provides cash incentives to full-time AJC employees to purchase new hybrid cars. The program is believed to be the first offer of its kind to employees of any non-profit organization in the United States. The program is available to employees working in any AJC office across the U.S.

AJC plans to engage in these other impressive green programs as the process continues:

1) Buy renewable electricity: AJC aims to purchase enough Renewable Energy Credits (REC) to cover 100 percent of the electricity used at AJC headquarters in New York. These credits are purchased from the suppliers of renewable electricity - wind farms, solar farms, biomass generation facilities - and encourages them to continue providing and developing new sources of green power in a marketplace traditionally weighted towards fossil fuels. These credits impart a green value to electricity supply and are a practical step, and powerful statement, towards promoting a decreased dependence on foreign sources of power.

2) A major mechanical systems upgrade that will reduce energy usage by up to 35 percent. By modernizing the way AJC cools the building, a huge impact on their energy profile can be achieved.

3) A new green purchasing policy that optimizes the amount of recycled products or materials made from rapidly renewable, reclaimed, or otherwise low impact resources for use in the building. This program will significantly reduce the environmental impact of the materials used in the day-to-day operations of AJC's headquarters. .