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Sustainability
Our Green History
In 2006 we held our first large school brainstorming sessions on sustainability, deciding at those meetings to make greening the school one of our major initiatives. It was clear to us that a 21st century education was not complete without teaching ecoliteracy and having our institutional behavior and campus model sustainable decision-making.Our Philosophy
Princeton Day School’s mission is to prepare students “to act knowledgeably, to lead thoughtfully, to share generously, and to contribute meaningfully.”To fulfill this mission we must graduate students who understand the ecological consequences of their actions, who have a sense of long-term decision-making and its effect on ecological health.
Princeton Day School believes that students are our largest carbon footprint, that their personal and professional decisions now and in the future will help determine the fate of the planet.
Our Goal
Our goal is to nurture a culture of environmental stewardship by working simultaneously in the areas of facilities, behavior, and curriculum. We want our graduates to understand that how they use resources affects the ability of future generations to also use those resources.
Princeton Day Announces Environmental Stewardship with ENGIE Agreement. Read more!
milestones
2017 Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
2016 Gold-Level River-Friendly School Certification from Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School
2015 New Jersey Green Ribbon School
Green Restaurant Association - 4-Star Designation
Garden of the Year from NJ Farm to School Network 2015
2011 Bronze Level River-Friendly School Certification from Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association
2009 Kiwi Magazine Grand Prize “Crusaders Award for Excellence in School Meals”
2009 Green Cup Challenge national winner (for energy reduction)
News
Announcing a five-year energy agreement between Princeton Day School and ENGIE Resources, Brad McIntyre, Senior Business Development Manager for ENGIE, explains, "By participating in our Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) program, Princeton Day School helps reduce energy costs, improve grid stability and accrues LEED certification points to further demonstrate their commitment to running a sustainable and efficient campus."
Over eighty students from across New Jersey gathered on Saturday, May 11 to attend the Next Gen Climate Summit at the Watershed Institute. The conference was organized and hosted by the PDS EnAct Club and Energy & Climate Scholars in partnership with The Princeton University Energy & Climate Scholars and The Watershed Institute, with the aim of educating and mobilizing attendees on issues related to climate change and sustainability, while fostering a sense of appreciation for nature.
Lower School science teacher Aaron Schomburg shared some incredible observations about bees during a brief expedition to check whether a newly introduced queen had survived, and how the hive had adjusted.
PDS received official permission to occupy the new greenhouse on Friday, April 5, and the PDS community rallied over the weekend to install some important final elements. During Saturday's Garden Cleanup Day on April 6, volunteers worked together to re-pot seedlings while others completed the custom furniture. Time to get growing!
Did you know that almost every month, a group of about 20 PDS Climate Scholars meets with grad students from Princeton University to share resources and discuss urgent issues related to climate change and sustainability? In addition, each year our Climate Scholars spend countless hours organizing one of the most distinctive high school student conferences in the state: newly dubbed the NextGen Student Climate Summit, this nexus of NJ high school student presentations and sustainability experts on site to share their resources is happening on May 11 at The Watershed.