Like many institutions today we feel a huge responsibility to our environment. Sevenoaks is a large school with a complex array of new and old buildings and a wealth of different activities going on throughout the year. This sometimes makes it challenging to implement cohesive environmental solutions. But at Sevenoaks, we like a challenge. We are increasingly involving students and staff alike in the drive to make Sevenoaks a greener place.

Some of our most recent initiatives have stemmed from last year’s competition to come up with innovative solutions to improve sustainability in our school community. Year 11 pupils proposed the creation of an environmental Senior Prefect and Green Reps in the Lower School. Our Lower Sixth winner carefully researched several ways we can reduce the school’s water consumption and the staff winner produced a comprehensive plan to encourage cycling to school. Look out for the development of all of these projects this year.

Of course, we are already doing our bit. Here are some of the environmental projects which already exist at Sevenoaks.

Recycling

The whole school contributes to the recyling effort, with recycling bins for paper, cans, bottles and bags in every classroom and office. Students also collect glass and cardboard from across the school campus, including boarding houses, and used batteries are collected for recycling. All departments actively reuse paper wherever possible.

In the classroom

Students of all ages study ecology and environmental issues within the Biology and Geography courses. Other departments also address environmental issues as part of the syllabus and especially during Environment Week, with Mathematicians analysing population and resource curves; study of Nature poetry in English; and Theory of Knowledge teachers investigating the scientific claims of climate change.

Around the campus

The new Performing Arts Centre has been built to high environmental standards with solar-power, ground-source heating and daylight-sensing bulbs. The Sennocke Centre has recently reduced the number and wattage of its lights, and installed a variable speed drive to halve the energy needed to heat the swimming pool. Boarding Houses compete to reduce energy consumption and some operate their own compost heap. Local growers are used to supply the kitchens, and water and picnic food are provided in recyclable containers. The school's marketing materials are either carbon-neutral or are printed on paper from a sustainable source.

IT

Our IT Service is committed to the school's environmental aims while continuing to provide technologies that support teaching and learning in all subjects. This includes buying and running electronic equipment with low carbon footprints, operating automatic PC shut-downs across the campus, disposing of all equipment ethically and providing user awareness education.

Environment Week

Every year the School celebrates Environment Week and focuses upon reducing, reusing and recycling. Assemblies and workshops educate the students, departments address environmental issues in the classroom, competitions raise awareness and generate new initiatives, and the kitchens offer a range of alternative meals.