 | “Inspired by the idealism and energy of our students, led by dedicated teachers and staff, and endorsed by the Board, we have made an institutional commitment to principles of environmental, economic, and human sustainability. At our school, we seek to involve all constituents in a concerted sustainability effort. Linking themes of culture, politics, and the environment across the curriculum, dedicating staff resources to this work, evaluating campus operations to better conserve energy and limit waste, creating partnerships with environmental and higher education institutions, thoughtfully stewarding our campus’s natural resources, and creating an endowed “Green Fund” are all examples of our commitment in action. Helping students to learn that they can effect positive and lasting change in the world is a fundamental goal of education.”
— Head of School Tim Bazemore
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As a result of an environmental audit, sustainability and conservation issues have been fully integrated into the school’s campus operations to complement the educational curriculum. The audit led to a sustainable operations plan that includes but is not limited to the following initiatives:
- The school was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certification by the US Green Building Council for the Stevens Building renovation and addition. Not only does this building save energy through high-efficiency design, but it also creates a healthy indoor environment for students and faculty through the use of safe materials and enhanced air circulation.
- Recycling efforts have been expanded and improved to include the collection of specialty items such as fluorescent bulbs, toner cartridges, cell phones, and certain plastics. Students of all ages take an active role in daily recycling efforts.
- All lighting has been retrofitted with high-efficiency fluorescent bulbs.
- 100 percent recycled paper stock is the standard for all school publications and copiers.
- The disposal of hazardous waste materials, such as oils, cleaning compounds and batteries, etc., is very carefully monitored and safely conducted. In addition, waste chemicals found in the science labs are properly and safely packaged and removed by a contracted hazardous waste company.
- “Green” cleaning products are used throughout the campus, and paints and carpeting with low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) are selected for use on the campus.
- We are working with our food service to integrate more locally-produced and sustainable foods into the selections in the cafeteria, as well as to tie the subject of what we eat into our discussions of sustainability in the classroom.
- The school piloted the 'Clean Your Plate' initiative in which students measured food waste and tracked waste reduction over time. Read more about it in the New Canaan Advertiser!
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