Environmental+Initiatives



** Major Environmental Initiative at GPS **
  Girls Preparatory School announces a major environmental initiative in the construction of new buildings and current operations at the school. Some changes have been undertaken this year. Others will take place with the completion of the new C. Ben Harnsberger Student Center and Dining Hall/kitchen expansion. Several components to the energy conservation plans are still in the exploratory stage.  An environmentally sustainable option that is generating the most excitement on campus is a planned eco-friendly green roof for a portion of the new dining hall. A green roof typically includes a high-performance waterproof layer, root-resistant compound, drainage system, drain filtering, specially-formulated lightweight soil, and a surface layer of plant life. Green roofs reduce energy costs, reduce storm water run-off, and improve air quality.  Already, the student advisory system has taken charge of an improved recycling effort this year. All students participate in the collection of recyclables from offices and classrooms each Tuesday and Thursday and deposit the material in blue bins around campus. Rare Earth Recycling Service, a company operated by GPS faculty member William Montgomery and his wife, takes recyclable waste to Chattanooga Paper Board, a center that recycles the paper, generally within 24 hours on the premises. “We like them (Chattanooga Paper Board) because they are highly sustainable and enviro-conscious,” says Montgomery. “For example, they have an extensive energy-recapture process, so much of the energy they use they generate themselves by recapturing heat released during the paper-making process.”  Environmental conservation in the restrooms and cafeteria includes the use of hand towels and napkins made with a percentage of chemical-free recycled materials. Classroom teachers encourage an increased electronic submission of most homework and papers, and offices are exploring a transition to recyclable paper products for publications and mailings.  Increased energy conservation this year will include an energy audit of all energy use on the campus. The school is currently converting the bus fleet to biodiesel fuel through JAT Oil Co., a local distributor; cleaning carpets with a chemical-free extraction process, replacing incandescent lighting with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, installing timers and low-flow shower heads in locker rooms, and will soon be installing solar panels on all low-capacity hot water heaters.  Among additional steps being explored is a state-of-the-art method to streamline warewashing procedures in the dining hall to reduce total dishroom costs and lower the school’s environmental impact. Reduction of other garbage, an expansion of the recycling program, and increased student carpools are also being studied.  GPS Headmaster Randy Tucker announced the steps being taken at a school assembly on October 17. “No doubt GPS has a large carbon footprint,” he said, “and we know we can reduce it. More importantly, we have 700 girls in 600 homes who also can reduce their negative impact on their environment. From moving to biodesiel fuel in our buses to more environmentally friendly roof systems, we have so many obvious opportunities. Our hope is that we all can become better stewards and that we can serve as good role models for others.” 