Environmental Sustainability

In preparation for discussing an environmental sustainability policy and adopting a Campus Master Plan, the Board of Trustees toured the campus yesterday morning. Starting at the south end of our property and working their way north through all the buildings, Board members looked with fresh eyes at the school. It was a revealing tour that showed both those areas and facilities in which we can take great pride and those that need attention or renovation. It also provided a greater understanding as to the size of our property, the organization of the buildings and play fields, where environmentally sound practices are being used and the possibility of where changes and additions could be made.

As the Board, administration and faculty look to the future of our campus, we want to make certain that it is both ecologically friendly and that every aspect provides a learning opportunity. With this in mind, the Board discussed and passed an Environmental Sustainability Policy following the tour. The policy states that:

"Greensboro Day School is committed to environmental sustainability as a fundamental principle to guide the design, construction and operation of its facilities. The school seeks to ensure that its facilities: teach sustainability by the very nature of their design and operations; serve as models of environmentally responsible construction and operation; protect our environment; respect occupants' health, safety and comfort and, reduce operating costs.

In addition, whenever possible and financially feasible, Greensboro Day School will purchase local and regional goods and services in the design, construction and renovation of its buildings."

This is an important step for GDS and falls in line with the work being done to review all of our cleaning products to make certain that they are environmentally friendly along with a renewed effort to encourage students and teachers to recycle.

Fostering in our students an understanding of principles of environmental sustainability and the habits of sustainable practices by modeling them on our campus is a powerful message and one that will bode well for their future health and that of our planet.