Part One: Buildings and Grounds
Did you know that Prospect Sierra School is part of a focus group organized by the Ratcliff Architects, to study campus sustainability planning? The process began by comparing the carbon footprints of five Bay Area independent schools. The data gathered 20 months ago gave us a snapshot of where we stood and has helped to inform our decisions since then.
In brief, the data indicates that we are on the right track when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint of our buildings and grounds. Among the five schools studied, Prospect Sierra had the lowest annual direct CO2 emissions per student from energy consumed through our buildings and site.
The data reflects the thoughtful approach the school has taken towards becoming more environmentally sustainable. Since 2000, the list of green projects undertaken by the school has grown. They include:
- Upgrading all fluorescent light fixtures with energy efficient ballasts and tubes
- Installing an energy efficient boiler system at the Elementary School campus
- Installing a 30kw photovoltaic system at the Elementary School campus
- Creating a student garden at the Elementary School campus
- Installing waterless urinals at the Elementary School campus
- Replacing one of the original forced air furnaces on the Middle School campus with an energy efficient boiler
- Becoming a Certified Green Business
- A faculty- and student-led movement on both campuses to measurably reduce waste and increase recycling
- Developing a Green Master Plan for the exterior spaces at the Middle School campus. Parts of the plan have already been implemented: the creation of a student garden, an outdoor education space on the hillside, and a complete reworking of the Avis Lower Playground
These projects have changed our community in significant ways. Students and teachers have more efficient and interesting spaces to work in and with. The school has reduced its energy consumption and costs. And finally, we are now trained to view all current and future facilities improvement projects through the lens of environmental sustainability.
Currently, the school has four exciting new projects in various stages of development and consideration. Each has the potential to enhance program, as well as to help us further understand and reduce the school’s carbon footprint.
- Development of a carbon footprint dashboard
- Redesigning the Kindergarten Playground
- Redesigning the original Middle School classrooms to better support the school’s 21st Century Skills project
- A photovoltaic system for the Avis campus
There is still much work to be done. As with many independent day schools, our biggest carbon footprint challenge involves reducing the CO2 emissions related to our transportation needs. Independent schools typically attract students from areas outside their immediate neighborhood, and with that fact comes the challenge of considering transportation options that are more sustainable. With this in mind, we encourage the Prospect Sierra community to organize carpools and to take advantage of the school’s bus program whenever possible.
Our community is grateful to the many teachers, staff, and parent volunteers who have inspired and guided the school on this journey. It has truly been a collaborative effort. We look forward to continuing to move Prospect Sierra in a positive and sustainable direction.
Steve Harrington
Facilities Manager