New Dharma Hall Fans and Lighting Support Comfort and Sustainability
New fans and light fixtures have been installed in the Dharma Hall, thanks to the generosity of two donors who wanted to care for the teachers, retreatants, and all who gather here. These updates create a more comfortable and functional practice space while deepening BCBS’s broader commitment to energy-conscious campus improvements.
The idea for the new fans arose during a retreat last fall, when warm weather made air circulation especially important. When the teachers had trouble getting the fans to work together, one of the donors offered technical assistance and discovered that the existing units were more than 20 years old and no longer working properly. What began as a practical concern became an opportunity to care for all who come to BCBS for study, practice, and community.
Reflecting on the gift, the donors shared:
There are many ways to contribute to BCBS. Supporting the mission supports all of us. We are grateful for the opportunity.
Care for the Earth continues to guide many decisions across campus. In recent years, BCBS has installed heat pumps in every building, transitioned to energy-efficient lighting, improved insulation throughout campus, upgraded the cooling system for the walk-in fridge and freezer, and installed solar panels on the Dharma Hall to help offset electricity usage. Two electric vehicle charging stations also support lower-impact transportation for visitors and staff.
The new Dharma Hall fans and lighting are part of this larger effort to thoughtfully maintain and improve the campus in ways that support both practice and environmental responsibility. This work continues in 2026 through a range of sustainability initiatives, including upgrading EV chargers, expanding solar capacity, increasing native plantings to support pollinators, using eco-friendly rodent control, exploring new recycling efforts, and developing exterior lighting systems designed to support both retreatant safety and the well-being of the creatures who share the land with us.
Together, these efforts reflect BCBS’s ongoing aspiration to live more lightly and responsibly on the Earth.
