ErmitagEco

Our "Eco-Logique"

As a leader in the community, Ermitage has always been very sensitive to sustainability, both in regards to the school community and globally. ErmitageEco is our school-wide campaign to build awareness among the school community and continuously improve Ermitage's environmental impact - encouraging our stakeholders to think critically about sustainability and how it can be applied in the classroom, on campus, and in the community.

Student Environmental Stewardship

Ermitage has taken our commitment one step further with the initiation of the student groups "ErmitagEco Green Team" and "Eco-Ambassadors."

For long-term projects, the Upper School students in CAS submitted proposals under the areas of recycling, awareness, green events, and carbon foot-printing. These students have taken the initiative to create and/or expand upon current practices with the management of a Green Week, presentations to the student body, research on purchasing policies as they pertain to cleaning supplies and paper goods, awareness campaigns, and more. The student response has been extremely supportive as Ermitage comes together to continuously improve the way we work and live within our buildings and the global community.

The Eco-Ambassadors at our Middle School have achievable and effective initiatives, such as battery, bottle cap, and cardboard collection drives which support various recycling and community service projects. The students have also prepared posters and signs that have been posted near doors, windows, and light switches to keep reminding students (and teachers) to keep doors and windows closed and lights off when not in use.

Our latest Eco-Event, "Trashformations 2011" challenged students to collect recyclables and re-purpose them (within one hour!) into conscientious art with a message. Submissions included pieces such as "NYC 2050" and "Eco-Warrior!"

Ermitage Best Eco-Practices

As a French school, inherently there are many practices and decisions that are made that are simple and resourceful. However, being located in a historic town in a fast-paced, 2010 society has posed its environmental challenges, but we are proud to report our continued diligence in maintaining and reducing our carbon footprint

Each building of the Ermitage campus, from classrooms to dormitories, has been re-purposed from existing structures. This has reduced our need for new materials, and avoided unnecessary demolition and waste to landfills. As an example, our International Studies Building, dating from the 1700s, underwent a drastic renovation which began in 2008. With the renovation came an opportunity to reinforce our sensitivity to the environment by including many high efficiency and low-impact features seen throughout various sections of our campus:

High efficiency lights are turned on by switches that have timers in low frequency areas throughout the building.
Special settings on public computers as-well as toilets, which have a dual-flush option, aid in the reservation of resources.
Spaces are clean, bright, and multi-functional, which make work spaces stimulating and flexible for their various needs throughout the day.

Students and staff alike also follow these Eco-Practices:

Turn on lights on an as-needed basis in classrooms, as many of the spaces capitalize on natural day-lighting.
Assignments are conducted online, when appropriate, and many materials are distributed electronically.
When printing is necessary, this is done primarily as double-sided, greyscale documents.
Our student newspaper has been converted to an E-Newspaper, distributed via email to subscribers.
Ink and toner cartridges are are collected and desposed of properly at waste facilites that recycle their contents.
A majority of our community travel to and from school on foot, by bicycle, or using public transportation.