Years after it was first announced, the Cambridge eco mosque has finally received planning permission.
Back in 2010, we reported that the Cambridge Muslim community was planning to build Europe’s first eco mosque which would minimise carbon emissions and maximise the role faith has to play in environmental protection. Years on and the plans which were drawn up by Marks Barfield Architects have finally been approved. The mosque committee is now in fundraising mode and has already raised 19% of the money needed to build the mosque – or as they put it, 67,832 of the 350,000 bricks needed to construct the mosque have been paid for.
The Muslim Academic Trust, the UK charity promoting the new mosque development said they were delighted that their plans had been approved. “This is wonderful news for Cambridge,” said Tim Winter, Chair of the Trust, who has been leading the project since the site was bought in April 2008. “Cambridge is one of Britain’s great international cities, welcoming thousands of overseas students and academics every year, many of them of Muslim heritage. It’s tragic that there is still no significant purpose-built mosque to accommodate this community… Now a solution is in sight.”
The mosque will incorporate many green features including a large community garden which will be created by world-leading landscape designer Emma Clark. As Tim Winters explains, this will be a much needed green lung and oasis for the run-down part of Cambridge.
The mosque will also include a teaching zone for the entire community, a cafe with a garden terrace, an art exhibition space and a performance area.
The Trust added: “Reflecting Islam’s contribution to contemporary debates over sustainability, the mosque will incorporate significant design features which will minimise carbon emission and emphasise the role of faith in promoting responsible management of the earth’s resources.” These include heat pumps, water recycling, natural ventilation and lighting and a sedum roof. They will also be dedicated areas to support the nesting of local bird species and facilities provided for cyclists.
To support this project and donate, go to Cambridge Mosque is Moving.
For more on Eco Mosques see:
5 Spectacular Eco Mosques Of the World
The Eco-Mosque Checklist: 7 Steps To A Greener Mosque
All New Mosques In Qatar Will be Eco-Mosques
Author: Arwa Aburawa
Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.
That was a big step ahead in 2012! Sustainable cities and green buildings will become even more important in the New Year I suppose (and hope).
Just as a reminder: Buildings account for 40% of worldwide energy consumption. At the same time, up to 40% of their consumed energy can be saved by using sustainable technology (http://www.siemens.ae/sustainable-cities/sustainable-cities.html#Green-Buildings). Why not using it for a mosque? I think it’s appropriate.
Happy New Year!