Packer's Sustainability Timeline

2011

• Upper and Middle School environmental clubs participate in the Green Cup Challenge.
• Packer no longer sells bottled water on campus.
• Three-container recycling stations (paper, trash, cans/bottles) are purchased and placed at strategic locations throughout the building and a coordinated effort to educate about recycling is begun throughout the school.
• The Pelican Protocol is redesigned as an umbrella organization of individuals and groups that meets three times a year to exchange ideas and strategies that promote the growth and knowledge of sustainable environmental practices at Packer.
• The kitchen initiates “energy-reduction days,” during which they use no ovens, heat lamps, or hot tables.
• The PA Green Committee coordinates a drive to recycle sneakers.

2010

• Two boilers in Founder’s Hall, the main building, are replaced with energy-efficient, modern models.
• Packer creates the half-time position of Coordinator of Sustainability to act as a liaison between students, faculty, administration, and families to focus the school’s efforts to educate our students about sustainability.
• Packer ceases supplying bottled water at faculty meetings and school events.
• The PA Green Committee initiates recycling drives for batteries, cell phones, and household electronics.

2009

• Packer joins the Green Schools Alliance, a group of K-12 public and independent schools united to take action on climate change and the environment.
• Occupancy light sensors are installed on all newly-renovated classrooms and offices.
• Two high-efficiency, natural-gas boilers are installed in Pratt Hall to replace an inefficient heat exchanger.
• The Parent Association establishes the Green Committee to collaborate with Packer staff to heighten awareness and inspire action to further the school’s environmental efforts and build a sustainable future.

2007

• The National Wildlife Federation officially certifies the Garden as a “Wildlife Habitat,” signifying that it maintains a source of water, a source of food, places to raise young, and places to seek cover.

2006

• Packer introduces Green Seal-approved cleaning supplies and paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues).
• The kitchen switches from plastic cutlery to corn-based “green” plates and cutlery, which are biodegradable and require less energy to produce.

2003

• A Building Management System (BMS) allows for central control of HVAC and lighting throughout the main building and the Garden House, automatically shutting components down when not in use.
• The school begins installing sensors on lavatory faucets and towel dispensers to reduce paper and water consumption.

2001

• Packer begins replacing inefficient incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving fluorescents.
• All florescent light bulbs, paints, batteries, computer components, etc. are disposed of at special facilities; i.e., none of these items is just thrown in the trash.