The haredi-religious public's awareness of green construction and the environment is 60% lower than the level of awareness among the secular public, according to a survey conducted by the Geocartography institute.
About 27% of the haredi-religious public are aware of the green building issue, compared to about 45% among the secular public. Eighteen percent of the secular public are well aware of the issue, compared to 11% among the haredi-religious public. Fifty-five percent of the secular public are unaware of the issue, compared to 73% among the haredi-religious public.
The poll revealed, however, that after the haredi-religious public is informed about the nature and advantages of green construction, they view the issue as important and the gap is reduced.
Forty-six percent of the haredi-religious public said they believed it was important or very important for the house they bought to be "green" – compared to 52% among the secular public.
Dr. Rina Degani, who conducted the survey, says the findings point to the importance of conveying information on green building to the haredi-religious public. According to Degani, this will encourage contractors to build "green houses" for the haredi-religious public as well.
According to the survey, about 50% of the haredi-religious public, compared to 64% of the secular public, are ready to invest about NIS 30,000 (about $8,000) in an apartment which would include features of a "green house", such as increased insulation, an efficient air conditioning system and an option of separating trash.
The main reason the haredi-religious public wishes to invest in green construction is its concern for its children. About 43% noted that green building was important in order to provide their family with a healthier environment. About 20% noted that they would like to buy a "green house" due to their desire to maintain a sustainable environment.
The study was conducted ahead of a conference organized by the "Haredim Lasviva" organization, which specializes in dealing with environmental issues in the ultra-Orthodox sector.