WA Goes Solar

Last May (2010) 439, 210-Watt, silicon-based photovoltaic panels were installed on WA campus with a total rated power capacity of 92.19 kW (DC). A 59.85 kW array sits atop Daniels Gym and a combined 32.34 kW atop Heydon and Stoddard Dorms. The estimated annual total energy production of the system is 100,948 kWh in the first year, which is approximately 6 % of campus demand. Click on WA Solar PowerDash for real-time electricity production. For more information about WA’s first renewable energy project click on the page WA Solar above.

Walden Revisited

Balancing the sustainability spectrum end wherein  technology and  likely market based dependent solutions for mitigating climate change inform campus operations, WA 7th Graders spent Earth Day April 22, 2010 at Walden Pond in Concord, MA (click) for the day. Thoreau challenges our own intrinsic capacity for regeneration and transformation: “We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us in our soundest sleep. I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor.” For more information about the trip go to: Walden

Earth Day Climate Assembly

Alan Palm from ACE (Alliance for Climate Education: ACE ) spoke to the Upper School during its Earth Day Assembly. 70 students met with him after the program to sign up and commit to taking action. For more information click on Student Climate Action above.

2010 Green Cup Challenge Results

WA baseline reduction in power use : 3.6 %

WA CO2 emissions reduced: 6,378 lbs (GCC Results)

National GCC CO2 Reductions: 1.68 million lbs

Partners in Health (Stand with Haiti) Project donation: $600

(GCC Pledge) Signatories: 153

WA Donates Furniture to Local Schools

A strong example of social capital protecting natural capital, this past winter Worcester Academy donated $41,000 worth of used classroom desks to Burncoat High, Doherty Memorial High, North High and South High Community schools.

Green Cup Pledge Action Comics

Energy Conservation with Campus Lighting

Early this winter, WA replaced 36 outdoor metal halide lights that each used 205 watts with LED lights that each use 45 watts. The end result is an annual energy savings of 22,078 kWh and a corresponding reduction of CO2 emissions of over 25,000 pounds. This is another energy project made possible through the collaboratio of industry, government, and WA.

WA Hosts Regional Food Panel

A Local, Sustainable, and Just Food Panel was held on Wednesday December 16th, 2009  in Warner Theater

Given current issues about our food systems the panel was organized to address how might we envision, support, and engage in a local, sustainable, and just food system and network operating at maximum capacity? From the restaurant and farmers market to the subsistence-modeled and community farms and gardens, four local leaders on the panel informed and inspired us on current best and potential next practices at the personal, professional, and collective level.

For more information see Regional Food Network page above

Phase II WA’s Back to Tap Campaign

The environmental club has worked hard in selecting two high quality stainless steel bottles to sell to the WA community to facilitate the ending of the use of single serving water containers. Though tap water can have issues, it is more heavily regulated than bottled water and the city of Worcester’s water is heavily monitored and of high quality, particularly so after being filtered as all drinking tap water on campus is. Given the life cycle impacts of stainless steel bottles – you must use it 500 times before the environmental benefits exceed using an equivalent number of single serving plastic containers according to one study- the Environmental Club encourages as many people as possibe to take the Back 2 Tap Pledge and use their own reusable bottle or buy a new WA bottle. For more information on bottles and the pledge click on Bottles

WA Purchases Renewable Energy

Wading into the voluntary renewable energy market this past October, nearly 10% of WA’s total electricity demand will be met by 100% renewable energy produced throughout New England. Through the New England GreenStart program (Green Start) WA will purchase and retire Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) for all electricity used by Alumni House and off campus faculty apartments and athletic facilities. The energy sources include low impact hydropower, biomass, wind and solar. For a map of energy source locations click on Green Start Sources and for a Green Start disclosure label Disclosure Label. This program is available to all Massachusetts National Grid customers. Another renewable energy option available to all residents and organizations is the New England Wind Fund NewEnglandWind.