Solihull Synagogue leads the way in eco-friendliness

A West Midlands’ synagogue is believed to have the most energy efficient building in the country after installing over 60 solar panels, cavity insulation and new heating and cooling systems.

Solihull Synagogue, an independent Orthodox synagogue under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi, received a grant of nearly £60,000 from the local council to carry out the environmentally friendly transformation.

The grant was part of the government’s £25.5m funding scheme to help voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations improve their energy efficiency.

Speaking to the JC, the shul’s rabbi, Yehuda Pink, said: “From a Jewish point of view, we have a big responsibility to care for the world that God gave us and to be environmentally friendly. So, when we are able to do something which is a clear way of helping the environment, Judaism pushes us in that direction.”

Changes to the building, which were organised together with the synagogue’s president, Jon Gouldman, included replacing the lights to low energy LED lights, installing 64 solar panels covering the entire roof, as well as three large storage batteries for excess solar energy.

The synagogue has also replaced its heating system, which can now be controlled remotely by an app and its hot water system, which works by heating the water according to when it is most frequently used.

“We’re not pulling anything off the National Grid, and we are reducing our carbon footprint massively,” said Rabbi Pink.

“The building alterations haven’t only improved our quality of life but are also going to save us around £12,000 a year, which we can put back into the community.”

While the synagogue membership is relatively small, numbering around 70 families, the synagogue serves around 1,000 Jewish people living within a 2,500 square-mile radius.

Solihull Synagogue's inauguration lunch after its refurbishment (Photo: Solihull Synagogue)[Missing Credit]

At Chanukah, it ran events in Coventry, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Solihull.

“Every time we held one of these events, one or two people would turn up with no idea that there were other Jewish people living in their area,” said Rabbi Pink.

With the Jewish community in Solihull declining over the years, the majority of the synagogue’s members are married to non-Jewish partners, he added. “Our events are geared primarily towards Jewish people, but we don’t turn anybody away.”

In 2014, Solihull Synagogue became one of the first Jewish charities to be presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The synagogue has also received a Solihull Together for Better Lives Award.

The congregation runs a meal delivery service for elderly and vulnerable shul members and non-members, something it managed to keep going for the four weeks that the building works were taking place. “People are absolutely relying on these meals,” said Rabbi Pink.

The synagogue also runs a Thursday Club, which, as well as providing a kosher meal, also offers art classes, cookery sessions, gentle exercises and quizzes.

The inauguration of the building after the refurbishment was attended by the Mayor of Solihull, Shahin Ashraf MBE, who is the first Muslim person to take up the position.

Rabbi Pink said: “Traditionally, the Mayor of Solihull comes every year to our lunch club to give our volunteers a boost.”