From our solar powered cabins to our net zero LEED Platinum certified Field House, sustainability is a way of life. Many of the amazing initiatives here are simply part of the fabric of our daily experience. In other words, ‘it’s just what we do.’ What else would you expect from a school located on a 500-acre working dairy farm in southeastern Vermont?
Think green. Live green. Build green.
Our Field House
The Field House was the first net zero, LEED Platinum certified school building in the country. It consumes less energy than it produces, and is a place for movement, sports, and physical activity accessible to all and usable 365 days a year. It has been in many publications and we’ve hosted visits from other interested educational institutions, businesses, and organizations who want to see how it has been constructed. We hope it serves as an example to everyone planning a new building in the future.
Solar Panels
Our 446 kW solar array contains more than 1,400 solar panels, and provides enough energy to offset 65 percent of the school’s electrical needs. Tucked into a field at Lower Farm since 2016, the initiative has been a cornerstone of our master plan to become a net zero campus. The project was financed through Power Purchase Agreement in partnership with The Atmosphere Conservancy, which helps non-profit organizations carry out renewable energy projects. The array was constructed by Namasté Solar, in collaboration with Vermont-based E&S Electric.
Elm Lea Farm
The majority of the vegetables, milk and dairy products served in our dining hall is sourced directly from Elm Lea Farm. Every student at Putney spends at least one semester engaged in all aspects of our diversified farm, including planting and harvesting crops, foraging, gardening, milking and feeding our dairy cows. The farm to table connection is embedded in our culture and instills a deep sense of community and appreciation for the food we consume.
Cabin Program
We have five cabins — two of which were designed and built entirely by students — that provide an opportunity for Putney seniors to experience what it means to truly live sustainability. Each cabin is solar powered, highly-insulated, and heated with a wood burning stove. Selected students develop a hands-on understanding of their energy consumption, and learn to thrive in a rustic environment that illuminates the charm of a simple lifestyle.
Sustainability Squad
Our Sustainability Squad is one of many student leadership opportunities available at Putney. The Squad works on projects to improve campus environmental performance, and lead trips off campus to conferences and rallies. Here are just some of the green initiatives they’ve led over the years.
ESG Investment
Students were at the heart of a move toward more environmentally and socially sound investment practices with a call to divest from fossil fuels. Working together to align the school’s endowment fund, beliefs and investment policies, Putney now invests its portfolio using ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) lenses with the company Glenmede.
Pollinator Garden
Students initiated a garden to provide food and shelter for pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, helping to increase native biodiversity and support the natural ecosystem.
Recycling
The Sustainability Squad conducted an assessment of the school’s recycling program and wrote a proposal to replace all old recycling and waste bins with new, easier to use ones. The metal bins with liners were positioned across campus as a result of their work.
Sustainability Education
Students have planned and hosted a professional level Climate Justice Conference addressing topics such as climate change, racial justice, food justice careers and urban revitalization. They have also designed and led tours of our solar array and our net-zero field house, highlighting its unique features.
Keep Exploring
Student Leadership
At Putney you will practice leadership and learn through experience. Students apply for and are elected to over 50 leadership positions all of which lead vital work at the school.
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Work Program
Our Work Program has been a unique part of Putney since the beginning. Every student contributes to our community through work, which instills leadership, resilience, and teamwork. We work hard,
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Outdoor Program
The Putney Outdoor Program includes afternoon activities, weekend trips, and Long Fall. Two student leaders co-manage the outdoor program with a faculty member, planning and leading trips during the year.
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Project Weeks
During the end of each academic semester, students have the opportunity to complete two projects that employ skills they have acquired in their academic and non-academic program during the semester.
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