planting elm

Environmental Initiatives

Taft is educating tomorrow's leaders, and we know that as an educational institution we are role models for social change. Our sustainability challenges are similar to what many organizations face: improving energy efficiency through the physical plant, but also in the habits and minds of our community. Through a variety of initiatives by faculty and staff and through student interest and activism, the Big Red is making serious strides in going green.

Here are some of the ways Taft is working to reduce its impact on the environment:

solar SOLAR PANELS: gift of the classes of 2006 and 2007 the panels replace. Students can see the energy they generate. bike PEDALS & PEDESTRIANS: Sometimes reducing energy use is not about technology at all. Taft's compact campus and residential lifestyle model a lower-impact way of living and working.
daylight DAYLIGHT: Designing new and old spaces to reduce electrical use chem EARTH-FRIENDLY fertilizers: a micronutrient supplement made from seawater. Healthy grass means fewer weeds and better resistance to pests, lowering the need for pesticides and herbicides.
leds LED LIGHTING: Security lighting around campus is even more efficient through the use of LED bulbs leafbulb CFLs: In 2011 the school required students to use compact flourescent bulbs in the dorms. Of course we modeled that around campus, too.
hybrid EFFICIENT VEHICLES: School cars have been replaced with fuel efficient hybrids greenboiler POWER: The school purchases 100% green energy credits and converted oil burners to burn oil or natural gas.
infrared ARCHITECTURE: A century-old campus wasn't built to be green. New technologies help pinpoint heat loss. More than 1,000 windows have already been replaced with double-paned glass. leed LEED GOLD: The Moorhead Wing was not only built in a green way, it was built to reduce the school's footprint going forward.
parking LIFESTYLE: Encouraging the use of more efficient technologies among faculty and staff emissions ZERO EMISSIONS: Grounds, maintenance and security vehicles are now electric.
saltsman LEADERSHIP: Creation of the Wold Family Chair for sustainabilty, held by Peter Saltsman. bees CURIOSITY: English teacher Rick Lansdale has shared his interest in beekeeping with environmental studies classes and helps with a beekeeping club
faucet WASTE NOT: Reduction in wastewater through low-flow fixtures and use of captured rainwater for toilets. class IN CLASS: Courses in conservation biology, oceanography, scientific ethics and A.P. Environmental Studies
screen MISSION CONTROL: Computer controlled heating and cooling systems, improved insulation and other plant improvements sprinkler SMART WATERING: a central computer optimizes irrigation of the entire campus, preventing both over and underwatering.
produce LIVING LOCAL: The dining hall now serves more locally grown produce. flanders LENDING A HAND: Students work with many local nonprofits through the Volunteer Program—land trusts, organic farms, conservation groups etc.
       

 

 

THE TAFT SCHOOL  | 110 Woodbury Road | Watertown, Connecticut 06795 | 860-945-7777 | Info@TaftSchool.org