BOULDER JCC:
CLIMATE RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY PLAN (CRSP)
In 2024 my team developed the BJCC’s first Climate, Resilience, and Sustainability Plan (CRSP), integrating ESG, CDP, and TCFD reporting principles with environmental metrics and KPIs across GHG emissions, energy, water, and waste.
Client:
Boulder Jewish Community Center (BJCC), Colorado
Industry: NPO
Client Contact:
Becca Gan Levy, Sustainability & Farm Director, BJCC
Advisors:
Mara Rose, Capstone Lead Advisor, CU Boulder
Josh Radoff, Technical Advisor, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Lead, MENV, CU Boulder
Derek Fehrer, Technical Advisor, Sr. Consultant & Asst. VP, Sustainability, Energy & Climate, WSP
Timeline: February 2024 – December 2024
Project Summary
The Boulder Jewish Community Center (BJCC) is a major community hub, with operations that include a year-round early childhood center (ECC), programming for all ages, event space rentals, and a sustainable, regenerative farming operation, the Milk and Honey Farm. With a 55,000 sq. ft. building, a 10-acre footprint and over 49,000 visitors annually, BJCC senior leadership recognized the importance of addressing their environmental impacts and creating a strategy for reduction. To accomplish this, the BJCC teamed up with three Masters of the Environment graduate students from CU Boulder to develop a comprehensive Climate Resilience and Sustainability Plan (CRSP) to expand its commitment to environmental stewardship.
This report reviewed the methodology used to create the CRSP and highlights areas for improved waste, water, energy, and emissions management. The plan outlines actionable strategies to align BJCC operations with the climate initiatives of the Jewish organization Adamah, Boulder County, and the state of Colorado.
My Role
My primary responsibilities included conducting a facility-wide energy audit and completing a GHG inventory using activity data from 2021 to 2023. I also contributed to the waste and water audits by sorting waste and measuring faucet and toilet flow rates under Gabriela’s guidance, and supported Nadia in planning and participating in community engagement events.
Project Deliverables
The team delivered a comprehensive final report to the client, including a detailed methodology, key findings, actionable recommendations, and proposed next steps. In addition to the comprehensive report, a concise, ready-to-publish version was prepared alongside visual infographics for each assessment to facilitate stakeholder communication.
The findings were presented to BJCC leadership in a one-hour interactive session that included a presentation and Q&A discussion. As part of academic requirements, the team also produced a project poster for the Capstone Poster Session and delivered a final presentation at the MENV Symposium.
Note: Certain details of the assessment and resulting recommendations are confidential and cannot be shared publicly due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the client.
Project Implementation
Energy Audit: Led by Alexandra Skibitskaya
GHG Inventory: Led by Alexandra Skibitskaya
The GHG inventory was conducted to identify the primary sources of emissions from the BJCC’s operations, set reduction targets, and make informed decisions to minimize its environmental impact. GHG emissions are calculated according to the GHG Protocol standards. Measured Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from burning natural gas and purchased electricity (location-based), and Scope 3, Categories 5: waste generated in operations, and Categories 7: employee commuting (activity-based); developed reduction strategies for electrification, renewable energy, system efficiency, and reuse programs. The GHG inventory was developed using a dynamic Excel-based model featuring live formulas and embedded data links and can be used for further assessments.
Waste Audit: Led by Gabriela Peralta
During the summer of 2024, the MENV team conducted 4 comprehensive waste audits across operations. For each audit, the team collected trash bags, sorted waste by 19 categories, and weighed it. This data was input into Excel, and 2023 visitor data was used to extrapolate annual waste weights.
Water Audit: Led by Gabriela Peralta
To determine the BJCC’s impacts on the watershed, the team followed the EPA’s WaterSense guidelines and reviewed utility bills, inventoried water using fixtures, and measured their flow rates. This assessment revealed that while indoor use made up only 37.5% of consumption, it accounted for 78% of the total cost.
Stakeholder Engagement: Led by Nadia Janis
Throughout 2024, the team conducted 10 leadership interviews, created a survey with 150 responses, and facilitated a staff feedback session for 30 BJCC employees. These voices have shaped objectives and final recommendations. This engagement revealed widespread interest in sustainability with clear priorities of reducing waste, advancing climate action, improving environmental education, and enhancing sustainable transportation.
Climate Risk Assessment: Led by Nadia Janis
An assessment of BJCC's environmental risks revealed significant potential climate change risks. Boulder’s average temperature has already increased by 2°F and is projected to rise by 4.5–6.5°F by 2100, leading to drier soil, stressed livestock, and greater water demands for the Milk & Honey Farm. The JCC’s Early Childcare Center will face hotter days requiring more shade, hydration, and air conditioning to ensure children’s safety.
