Crane Country Day School Sustainability Initiatives

Green Action Plan

Board of Trustees

• Create a position on the Buildings and Grounds Committee for an advocate for green features in the master plan and CUP permit process.
• Include green initiatives in the next revision of the Strategic Plan.
• Reduce amount of paper at board meetings through use of electronic communication.

Administration

• Support green efforts of each school constituency.
• Choose environmental stewardship and sustainability as a year long theme beginning with the educator in residence.
• Hire a garden coordinator to expand our garden program.
• Investigate possible funding for green initiatives through grants.
• Require communications be electronically conveyed when possible.
• Send weekly Horizon electronically to all families with hard copies available in the office.

Business and Maintenance

• Implement recommendation of 2009 energy audit:
  • replace large refrigerator and freezer in kitchen with energy efficient models.
  • insulate water heater in faculty workroom
  • install light sensors in classrooms and buildings
• Designate four “Carpool Only” spaces in parking lot for morning and afternoon pickup
• Install solar tubes in office area to maximize natural light
• Conduct annual energy audit
• Replace vans with fuel efficient hybrid models when necessary.
• Purchase recycled material and support green businesses.
• Hire contractors versed in green practices when possible.

PFC

• Create a position for a green representative who will coordinate green activities and be an advocate for green practices in PFC activities and events.
• Continue metal water bottle education and distribution to new students each year.
• Staff the “No Waste Lunch” table at registration with education and sample lunch products.
• Write monthly green news column for Horizon highlighting green facts, news, events and suggestions.
• Host speakers specializing in environmental awareness for school and greater community.
• Support a hot lunch program that uses healthy local and organic food.

Staffulty

• Create a green team to initiate and support green practices among students and faculty.
• Maintain and promote the staffulty alternative transportation incentive program
• Conduct an environmental awareness and conservation campaign with the goal of 10% reduction in electricity.
• Plan annual Earth Day observance.
• Discourage use of personal refrigerators and microwaves.
• Reduce use of disposable and single use items in classroom projects and reuse material when possible.
• Take advantage of school membership in Art from Scrap for classroom supplies.
• Create a garden club for students.
• Maintain green news and initiatives on the Crane website
• Incorporate an aspect of environmental stewardship into the service learning program.

Students

• Fifth grade-continue recycling program. Expand one sided paper reuse.
• Sixth grade-continue composting program
• Select a green rep on the student council to serve as an advocate for green practices among students and help plan earth day activities.
• Comply with waste free lunch and elimination of plastic water bottles at school and sports events.
• Conduct a student energy awareness and conservation plan.