Construction Update

Assalaam-o-alaikum: In the year 2008 the Executives embarked upon a project to investigate the prospect of improving the carbon footprint of the Dartmouth Masjid.

They requested Br. Syed Ali Muslim to do a feasibility study with the objective of minimizing the amount of energy consumed in the Masjid. Br. Ali Muslim completed his Masters degree in engineering from Dalhousie University and presently is working with an engineering consulting company in Saint John, NB. This company specializes in application of alternative energy resources in commercial and residential projects.

The first draft report was submitted by Br. Muslim during the end of 2009. The executives started the implementation of the report and the work is still proceeding.

The recommendations were:

1.  The electric baseboards that were originally installed in the Masjid should be replaced with more efficient electric heating systems.
2.  The water usage should be reduced by installing more efficient aerators and better water heating system.
3. The insulation of the Masjid be improved by preventing air leaks and where necessary replacing windows that were old and drafty.
4.  Installation of free standing heat pumps that would provide heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
5.  Reduce the usage of paper and plastic products in the Masjid as much as possible.

In addition the executives also had an energy audit done under the auspices of NS Department of Environment. The report of the audit was received recently. It confirmed the corresponding recommendations in Br. Muslim’s study and also entitled the Association for a provincial rebate if it replaced the inefficient systems or hard ware identified in the report.

At present the work is continuing and it is expected that the work should be completed by March 31, 2010 Inshallah.

The executives are requesting our brothers and sisters to please donate generously so that the Masjid can fund this project. Your generosity will be rewarded by Allah (SWT).  The Association can issue tax deductible receipts for the donations, if requested.

Jazak Allah,

Wasalaam,

The Executive Committee