Dear friend,
With just over a month in our new space at 24 Farnsworth, I can say confidently that it’s feeling like home, a Unitarian Universalist home. It’s welcome and inviting. It’s accessible and sustainable. Our seven principles are proudly reflected in many ways throughout the building, including many of the systems that are at work behind the scenes. I am confident that our commitment to sustainability will earn us a strong Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the near future. LEED certification, which is awarded by the US Green Building Council, is recognized across the globe as the premier mark of achievement in green building. As Unitarian Universalists, environmental justice is of primary importance to us. I’ve asked our Chief Operating Officer, Rev. Harlan Limpert, to share some of the ways that our new space is contributing to that cause. In faith, Rev. Peter Morales UUA President ‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ |
As we designed our new building at 24 Farnsworth Street, it was very important to us that we visibly incorporate our principles into the space. We particularly wanted to ensure that our new faith home was healthy, sustainable, and accessible. The building features multiple pathways throughout the work areas to make it easy to access all spaces, Braille signage, hearing amplification systems in the Chapel and Multipurpose Room, gender-neutral bathrooms on all floors, and floor-specific color schemes for easier orientation.To accomplish a green workspace, we enlisted one of the foremost experts on sustainable building, Jean Carroon of Goody Clancy. Under her guidance, we have moved into a space that is beautiful, inviting, and efficient. I would like to share with you just some of the sustainable practices that were implemented in the design and operation of 24 Farnsworth Street.
I am proud of our sustainable, inviting space, and the impact that it will have for our staff, visitors, and the earth. As we kick off General Assembly (GA) in Providence, I also want to commend our GA planning team on their extraordinary sustainability efforts. They have been nationally recognized for their work in green conference planning, and help to provide a positive and healthy experience for all who attend. You can learn more about their efforts on the Greening General Assembly page of uua.org. In faith, Rev. Harlan Limpert Chief Operating Officer |