The 20,000 ft2 Congregation Beth David Synagogue in San Luis Obispo, California, was completed in 2006 at a cost of $161/ft2. Measured energy consumption shows 82% savings compared with a standard Title-24 building in California—and a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions. A combination of direct gain and water walls, with effective shading, provides passive solar heating, daylighting, natural cooling, and natural ventilation.

Above: David Bainbridge, Below: San Luis Sustainability Group