JRC’s new building awarded LEED Certification at the Platinum Level by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) – the highest level of certification for green architecture.
September 24, 2009
The American Institute of Architects Announces the 2009 COTE Top Ten Green Projects
Projects showcase excellence in sustainable design principles and reduced energy consumption
Washington, D.C. – April 13, 2009 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored at the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition in San Francisco.
The 2009 COTE Top Ten Green Projects program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.
Members of the jury include: Michelle Addington, Yale School of Architecture; Brandy Brooks, Assoc. AIA, Community Design Resource Center of Boston; William Leddy, FAIA, Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects; Nadav Malin, BuildingGreen LLC; Kim Shinn, LEED AP, LTLC Engineering for Architecture; and James Timberlake, FAIA, Kieran Timberlake Associates LLP.
“In architecture, performance and aesthetics are inextricably linked. The COTE Top Ten is one of the very few awards that evaluates performance and design,” said jury members. “Other awards and organizations look strictly at performance without care for how a building looks.”
The descriptions below give a brief summary of the projects. To obtain detailed information regarding specific aspects of the sustainable features or to obtain images of these projects, please go here or contact Matt Tinder at mtinder@aia.org.
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Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC), Evanston, Illinois
Ross Barney Architects
The design of the new synagogue for the JRC balances the limitations of a small site with an ambitious program that promotes worship, education, and community objectives. JRC's commitment to the principle of tikkun olam—Hebrew for ""repairing the world""—is manifest in the building's architecture. On a modest budget, the synagogue achieved a LEED Platinum certification, a primary goal of its board of directors. JRC has become a community leader, demonstrating benefits of green design.
Places of worship get the green message
May 4, 2009
Eyewitness News, kabc-TV Los Angeles, CA
""Let there be light. Places of worship throughout the world are taking this phrase to heart.
""The US Green Building Council counts 43 religious projects registered with them, pending LEED certification. The projects include five Jewish temples, 36 Christian churches, one monastery and one seminary.""
JRC is featured as one of five houses of worship in the US.
