After kicking off the Green Knesset overhaul project two weeks ago, leaders of the project held the first of six mandatory sustainability training sessions for building employees on Sunday.The Green Knesset project is a multi-year program to transform the Knesset into a house of parliament that runs on energy-saving principles, with features such as a roof covered in 4,650 square meters of solar panels as well as revamped water, air conditioning and lighting systems. The employee training sessions – held for about an hour-and-a-half each, aim to provide a basic knowledge of environmental protection fields, such as green office management and adapting a more sustainable way of operating, according to project leaders.Opening the training session on Sunday were Knesset CEO Ronen Plott and MK Dov Henin (Hadash), who along with MK Zvulun Kalfa (Bayit Yehudi) are leading the transformation to an environmentally conscientious Knesset among the legislators themselves.“We will save on energy, water and electricity,” Plott told Knesset employees.“Every worker will receive a multi-use glass and from today on put one-time-use cups aside.”Henin called the launch of the Green Knesset project “a sort of dream come true.”“The Knesset should be an example for mobilizing the public,” Henin said. “There is a saying of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’ The Green Knesset offers us exactly that.”The training program for Knesset workers was formulated by the Knesset’s training and continuing education department – led by Guy Bar- Ness – with the input of professionals from the environmental and operational fields.The professional project advisers include Dr. Omri Morag from the company Gadir Engineering and Nir Nakdimon, deputy head of construction and maintenance in the Knesset.“Knesset employees are a key part of the project,” Bar- Ness said. “All the training activities this year will show signs of sustainability.”
Employee training sessions in Green Knesset project begin
Project to transform Knesset to energy-saving building including roof covered in solar panels as well as revamped water.
