"Govs Go Green" is the battle cry on campus these days as the school community commits itself to acting environmentally responsibly. Students are encouraged to save energy and reduce waste in their classrooms and dormitories. Last year, they entered the Green Cup Challenge, a competition with 23 other independent schools to cut energy use over a set number of months. To the delight of the administration, The Governor's Academy tied for first place with The Berkshire School. The next Green Cup Challenge will begin in December.

Our Office of Sustainability, directed by Dick Savage, has already undertaken several initiatives to make the campus greener. And this is just the beginning!

ON CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS

• Retrofitting dorms and public buildings with high efficiency windows
• Retrofitting dorms and athletic facilities with low flow shower heads 
• Increased use of radiant heat and high efficiency boilers ( 90% + ) 
• Established and maintaining temperature set-points 
• High energy efficient foam being used in new construction

Recycling Unit

WIND/SOLAR

• Feasibility study for a wind turbine completed. Business plan being developed and discussion with town to be initiated 
• Projects for solar panel application being developed

ELECTRICITY

•  CFL ( compact fluorescent light ) bulb replacement program ongoing

Organic Garden

SOLID WASTE

• Campus recycling program expanded with new co-mingling concept 
• Compost program in place with dining hall services 
• Organic garden on campus for school consumption 
• Recycling metal/ aluminum/ cast iron/ waste oil/ mercury in fluorescent bulbs/ batteries 
• Waste Water Treatment Facility in place with a state of the art facility

Hybrid Vehicle

OTHER

• Hybrid vehicle used for in-house campus security
• Reduce tray use in the dining hall 
  • Click here to read "No Trays at TGA" article in The Daily News of Newburyport, Nov. 24, 2008.