Culture & Climate
The Phillips Academy community embraces environmental sustainability as a natural extension of our non sibi ideal. We affirm our responsibility to serve and to lead as stewards of the natural world and to promote environmental awareness, global thinking, and local action.
Members of the community are mindful of conserving and protecting natural resources. For example, we turn off unneeded lights and other electrical devices, use low energy lighting (compact fluorescent bulbs or LEDs), limit shower times, run tap water only when necessary, drink tap water instead of bottled water, limit our use of disposable plastics, cans, bottles, and paper, and recycle all used plastics (1-7), cans, glass, and paper in the appropriate containers. Each of these actions reinforces our commitment to sustainable living and contributes to this important global effort.
Some recent highlights include:
Paresky Commons
The opening of the brand new Peresky Commons in Spring 2009 brings a new focus towards sustainability in the school's dining hall. In addition to its LEED certification, Peresky is also designed to facilitate collection and composting of 100% of the prep and post-meal food waste. Phillips Academy and Aramark are both committed to sustainable dining practices. Please also visit Aramark's sustainability page.
2008 Campus Baseline Sustainability Assessment Report
Andover’s first complete Assessment Report was completed in the Fall 2008 by Woodard and Curran.
The Gerry and Nan Snyder Competition
Thanks to a generous $50,000 gift from Gerry ’53 and Nan Snyder, the Sustainability Steering Committee held an open competition to collect ideas for how to conserve natural and financial resources at Andover. After review, the winning projects will be started in 2009.
Campus Organic Blueberry Garden
Follow the progress of our student's own sustainable garden.
Participation in the Green Schools Alliance and the annual Green Cup Challenge
Andover actively participates with peer school is a variety of sustainable efforts.
Proctors and Prefects are trained each year to be environmental educators and stewards in their dorms.
Non Sibi Day - Sustainability Projects
Non Sibi Day always offers several projects focused on sustainability, like working on local farms and cleaning trash out of the Spicket River.
Greener Blue Student Clubs
In addition to the proctors and prefects who provide education and leadership on conservation and sustainability in the dorms, student clubs also play an important role on campus. Eco-Action and Environmental Resources Awareness Council (ERAC) are two very popular and active organizations on campus.
Speaker Series – Speaking of Sustainability '08-09
Juliet Schorr - October 2008, Dr. Chris Whittier '87 - February 2009, Colin Beavan, No Impact Man - April 2009, Peter Alsop '95 - April 2009