The Jewish Federation of Cleveland recently celebrated the completion of its new headquarters in the Beachwood. The 30-year-old building underwent a green renovation that includes rooftop solar arrays, energy- and water-efficient systems, and indoor bike storage.

The Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that supports social service, educational and humanitarian efforts in Cleveland and worldwide, earned a coveted LEED Gold rating for its energy-efficient renovation. LEED is short for Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design, a green rating system.

"One of the values of Judaism is tikkun olam, which means 'repairing the world,'" says Harvey Freiman, Vice President of Operations with the Federation. "We did this because a planet that is greener and healthier is a good thing."

Beyond the environmental benefits, Freiman says that the energy-efficient project also reduces the Federation's operating costs moving forward while improving the quality of the work environment for the organization's employees.

The Federation faced many challenges along the way, including choosing which energy-efficient upgrades would provide the most bang for the buck. "You have to ask, 'Does spending more money bring additional benefit'?" says Freiman.

The organization was able to receive state and federal grant dollars to help cover the costs of the solar array. Donations from the Mandel family of Cleveland covered the purchase and renovation costs of the building.

Source: Harvey Freiman
Writer: Lee Chilcote