Recognizing that environmental stewardship
is a core Jewish value, Isabella Freedman is committed to operating
our facility in ways that minimize our impact on the natural environment.
At Isabella Freedman
we:
Conserve Energy and Water by
- Upgrading all lighting throughout the facility to be as efficient
as possible. From 2002–2003, our electricity consumption
fell by 20% despite growth in our facilities.
- Purchasing energy and water efficient models when replacing
lights, toilets, and washing machines.
- Installing low-flow eco-sprayers in the kitchen.
- Turning off heat and air conditioning when buildings are vacant.
- Installing only low-e double pane windows when replacing windows.
- Installing motion sensors and timers on lights throughout the
facility (turned off on Shabbat).
- Establishing a policy to change the sheets and towels every
third day, except in the cases of a shorter retreat or a customer
request.
- Washing laundry with phosphate-free detergents.
- Installing programmable thermostats in all new buildings and
when replacing old thermostats.
- Installing new, more efficient furnaces with AFUE ratings of
90 or higher.
- Harvesting rainwater for landscape irrigation.
- Purchasing new air conditioning units rated at least SEER 14.
Limit the Use of Toxic Chemicals by
- Prohibiting the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides anywhere
on the grounds.
- Painting all indoor spaces with low or no VOC paint.
- Using treated lumber for building projects that does not contain
arsenic.
- Using laminated wood flooring with at least 35% FSC Certified
wood content. Click here to learn
more about responsible forest products.
Prepare and Serve Food with the Environment
in Mind by
- Purchasing produce from local organic growers whenever possible.
- Using herbs grown on site, eggs from our chicken coop, and
honey from our bee hives when they are available.
- Composting all vegetable and fruit scraps.
- Using reusable utensils, flatware, and table settings and avoiding
Styrofoam completely.
- Using cloth napkins or recycled paper napkins when disposables
are necessary.
Reduce Waste by
- Providing recycling bins in main meeting areas.
- Installing 100% recycled carpets in the newly renovated office.
- Separating the recyclable content from the waste collected
daily from guest rooms.
- Using recycled paper and paper products in the office as well
as in the public bathrooms.
- Having a local recycling vendor pick up bottles, cans, plastics,
cardboard, and newspapers twice a week.
- Donating, when feasible, larger items such as furniture, tires,
appliances, and bedding, rather than discarding them to the landfill.
- Training new staff on recycling policies.
To learn more about environmentally conscious building and facility
management, please visit the US
Green Building Council’s website.
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