GIPL's Congregation of the Year Award—Young Israel of Toco Hills

Every year GIPL hopes to honor a congregation that has done exceptional things in the field of sustainability throughout its congregational life. We honor that faith community with the Congregation of the Year Award. This year’s winner is Young Israel of Toco Hills.This congregation embarked on a journey to build one of the most sustainable synagogues in the region. But a few highlights are noteworthy – this all began with a conversation with congregants of Young Israel. What did they want in their new synagogue after years of gathering in a partially remodeled home? They dreamed big dreams and sought the wise counsel of SouthFace Institute. Every square foot of their building was intentionally planned to be sustainable as well as to reflect the Jewish value of environmental stewardship.  Because of this, it became the first house of worship to earn Earthcraft Certification. From motion sensors in each room to electric vehicle charging stations, when building this sacred space, the synagogue leaders hoped to imbue an Earth care ethic within all of its congregants, that a culture of sustainability would be present in all of their work, prayer and worship life together in this place. It is still a work in progress but as you can see, their thoughtful process is bearing good fruit. The congregation now has an official “VP of Environmental Stewardship” on its Board so that all decisions are made through the lens of sustainability.GIPL looks forward to seeing Young Israel grow further into its identity as a sustainable synagogue for all of Creation!Read more about Young Israel's new sustainable synagogue and see photos.