Solomon Schechter installed two 50 kilowatt solar panel systems at its Hartsdale campus.
Photo credit: Mercury Solar Systems

Using biofuels, blends of conventional heating products and environmentally friendly resources (like soybeans and animal fats), is one of the primary ways Americans can decrease their reliance on foreign oil. Robison customers, when deciding how to heat their homes, have the option of whether to use only traditional heating products or “B-20,” (which consists of 20 percent biofuel). From the providers’ perspective, it presents an economic risk, which helps explain why Robison is the primary source of this product. Biofuels need to be stored in special heating tanks that accommodate for their high “pour point” (the temperature at which the fuel starts to gel and freeze). As co-President Dan Singer points out, “many companies do not have the financial flexibility to meet those demands.” But, from the consumers’ point of view, “there’s no reason not to use B-20.” Not only does opting for biofuel help the environment, but it ends up lowering the heating bill as well. Although customers pay an extra ten cents per gallon, they are offered a rebate of 20 cents per gallon when the time comes to file their taxes. Singer believes the economic benefit could extend beyond that for the individual. “People always complain about fuel prices going up, but imagine if everyone [used B-20]. It would cut demand for foreign oil by 20 percent, which would ultimately reduce the price.” Most importantly, he adds, it is “perfectly safe to use; it is just as effective as using conventional heating products.”

Singer, who was one of the chairmen of the event, also hopes Robison’s efforts are contributing to an increasing public concern for the environment. “[The use of biofuels] certainly gets people’s attention,” he says. “Everyone wants to conserve energy, but not enough to spend the extra money. At the same time, there is a growing population becoming more conscientious about ‘going green.’” As far as the future, Singer reports that research is being done to find ways to decrease the pour point of biofuels. This would make them easier to store and allow more companies to offer this alternative.

The collaboration with Robison Oil reflects what has been the main objective of the American Jewish Committee for more than 30 years. Scott Richman, the organization’s executive director, confirms that “the mission of AJC is to build a safer, more secure world. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is instrumental to that.”         

This is not to say, however, that AJC’s efforts towards maintaining a clean, ecologically safe planet are limited to this one area. In actuality, they extend far beyond the use of imported fuel. In becoming one of the first Jewish non-profit organizations to achieve “green certification” for its national headquarters, AJC has introduced a number of Earth-friendly programs in conjunction with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Standard. LEED requires that significant efforts be made to maximize operational efficiency while the consequences on the environment remain limited. For example, AJC has initiated a new recycling program to reduce its building’s accumulation of waste. Specifically, this involves keeping recyclable items away from landfills, properly removing and disposing of fluorescent lights, and recycling a higher percentage of paper waste, cans, and bottles. AJC has also cut down its use of electric power (by 20 percent) by using occupancy sensors and opting for energy-efficient T5 lamps. By purchasing Green Power to supply 100 percent of its electricity, the organization has become the third largest nonprofit green power purchaser in the country and has been inducted into the exclusive Energy Leadership Club. AJC has also started using less toxic cleaning methods in its offices and has made more efficient use of materials that come from renewable resources.

As another key element of its green initiative, AJC has also started offering cash incentives to its employees, encouraging them to purchase new hybrid cars. This Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Bonus Program is believed to be the first of its kind provided within nonprofit organizations in the United States.     

By achieving green certification, Richman says that AJC is promoting itself as a “role model for the entire Westchester community.” The organization is not merely telling people what to do to help the environment, but it is instead “putting its money where its mouth is.” AJC still makes efforts to extend environmental awareness to the public, however. The organization has set up a blog, which can be found at ajcwestchesterenergy.wordpress.com/. There, you can find AJC’s “Energy Pledge,” featuring the “Ten Commandments for Responsible Energy Consumption.” This pledge, which has been signed by 10,000 people, includes a vow to choose reusable bags at the supermarket instead of plastic ones and a promise to carpool or use public transportation whenever possible. Richman believes that taking the pledge “heightens people’s sensitivity as well as their awareness of what they can do on their own.” The document was created within AJC’s Westchester Chapter but has since become a national element of the organization. 

A major focus of the Energy Fair was the unveiling of the new solar panels recently installed at Solomon Schechter. Solar power, much like biofuel, is a form of alternative energy that is slowly but surely gaining a more prominent presence in the world. Jared Haines, co-Founder and President of Mercury Solar Systems (the company that installed the panels) confirms this. “Solar energy represents less than one percent of the U.S. energy mix, [but] we expect it will become much more widespread.” He attributes this prediction to the incredible progress that has been made in recent years. “The solar panels currently available are the most efficient we have seen,” he says. “22 percent of the sunlight that hits the panels today is converted into real energy.” Mr. Haines also cites the greater care for the Earth that society has started to exhibit, but he admits that the economic factor is fairly overwhelming as well. “We consistently hear from our customers that energy conservation is one of their top reasons for investing in solar power. But we also hear, especially from homeowners, that they want to save on their utility bills.”         

The Energy Fair ran from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony introducing the solar panels as well as refreshments, educational sessions, and family-friendly activities. Congresswoman Nita Lowey was present as the event’s Keynote Speaker. Also on hand to speak were David Harris, National Executive Director of AJC, and Dr. Elliot Spiegel, Headmaster of Solomon Schechter. Richman had been looking forward the event, not just for what it meant this year but for its significance for the future as well. “What’s important to remember,” he says, “is that this was the First Annual Energy Independence Day.”  

For more information on the American Jewish Committee, Westchester Chapter, visit http://www.ajc.org/site/c.ffITK0OyFoG/b.843955/k.3E56/Westchester.htm. To learn more about Robison Oil, go to http://www.robisonoil.com/. To find out more about Mercury Solar Systems and the use of solar energy, visit http://www.mercurysolarsystems.com/content/whysolar/howsolarworks.asp.