Solar Powered Hindu Temple in California to Open Summer 2008
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY 
on 07.14.08
Eastern elevation rendering courtesy of BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
Recently I wrote about how Hindu temples in India have been making efforts to green their energy usage and commented that, given the core belief of the interconnectedness of all life in Sanatana Dharma, it wasn’t surprising that Hindu temples would embrace cleaner energy. Now comes word, via Inhabitat, that a new mandir (temple) and cultural center in Chino Hills, California has also embraced renewable energy.
BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir to Get All Its Power from Solar
Currently under construction and, according to its website, scheduled to open later to this summer, the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Center will be entirely powered by a 60 KW solar power system. This system, installed by Los Angeles’ GoGreenSolar, will generate more power than the 109,000 square foot complex requires, with the balance being sent to the local electric grid.
Other green efforts at the center to include installing solar tube lighting so as to eliminate the use of light bulbs during the day, and extensive planting of trees on the site for the betterment of local air quality.
In addition to the temple and cultural center, the entire 20 acre complex will include classroom, a gym, a dining hall, a snack shop, an exhibition hall, and living quarters.
Reception Hall photo courtesy of BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
More information on the temple complex, including many project renderings and construction progress photos can be found at the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan website.
via :: Inhabitat and :: Go Green Solar
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It is a good thing that a nation as populous as India has a religion that encourages respect for the environment. But a shame that India's government is not as dedicated to environmentalism as they should be.