Baldwin Blue Goes Green The school’s commitment to sustainability runs deep – whether in the form of locally sourced foods, solar reflective roofing in the eco-friendly Athletic Center, or community initiatives performed by the Middle School and Upper School Earth Matters Club. We invite you to learn more about our initiatives in recycling, food services and energy efficiency.

Utilities and Resources Cleaning Products   Most cleaning products used at Baldwin are considered green.  The school is moving toward a 100% chemical-free cleaning process, in part with the assistance of ion machines that surpass traditional green standards and use ionized water to disinfect surfaces.     Water The 2008 Athletic Center features waterless urinals, and the entire campus features low-flow toilets.   Oil & Gas Baldwin's steam heating system has been modernized and upgraded with computer-automated time and temperature limits, resulting in energy savings. All windows and doors are routinely weatherproofed to prevent heat loss in the winter. Electricity Baldwin is in the process of converting to low-energy fixtures and LED bulbs.   Exit signs were replaced with energy efficient lighting - a move that paid for itself in energy savings in less than one year. Light sensors have been added to most bathrooms with great success, and are planned for classrooms and offices.

Recycling Program Baldwin's recycling program was initiated more than 10 years ago with the introduction of paper recycling receptacles.  In 2006, “trio-stations” were installed throughout campus, making it easy to separate trash from paper and glass/plastic recycling.  Other current recycling initiatives include: Office paper recycling                                   Double-sided printing Paperless daily attendance                                                   Paperless college application process Paperless faxing in the Athletic Center (hopefully campus-wide soon!)      To keep faculty and staff apprised of new ways to recycle and "go paperless" in the classroom, in-service workshops on Google Docs, iPad apps, SmartBoards and other technology resources are hosted regularly.

Dining Services - Buying Local Baldwin’s Dining Services program is reflective of the school’s commitment to sustainability. Dining Services Director Donna Gassner has been buying local meats, produce and dairy products since 2005 as part of its ‘farm to table’ menu.  Buying local supports area farmers, provides the school with fresh ingredients and saves resources related to food transport.   Hungry for more? Read this blog post about recent changes to the Dining Hall, including open-all-day hours; a "grab 'n' go" station with healthy, portable snacks; new decor and more.   Click here for delicious details on Baldwin's Dining Services program, including the made-from-scratch menu and heart-healthy options.

Campus Buildings Concerned with the environmental impacts of a new building, the Baldwin Athletic Center incorporates several eco-friendly design and construction initiatives, including solar reflectance roofing, the use of regionally extracted materials, the installation of Energy Star equipment and appliances, and an indoor air quality management system.   A new performing arts space will take the place of the beloved Cornelia Otis Skinner Dramatic Workshop.  Baldwin is preserving and repurposing the original materials, including the stone, wood and key artifacts for the construction of the forthcoming permanent space. In the meantime, our arts programs continue to flourish - you can read about recent initiatives, including the Arts League, Arts Task Force and BRAVA, in our Arts news section or on our blog.

Environmental Clubs Baldwin students have shown enthusiasm in creating initiatives to further the school's green efforts.  Earth Matters (Upper School) and Earth Matters Too (Middle School) are two environmentally minded student groups dedicated to furthering sustainability at Baldwin and within the larger community.     Current Earth Matters projects include adding water fountains throughout the school that can accommodate reusable water bottles, as well as a recycled art contest.

Green Week Baldwin hosts an annual “Green Week” in April in conjunction with Earth Day.  Green Week was created in 2010 to raise awareness of environmental issues and involve students and faculty in solutions through providing education and environmental service projects.  Read about Green Week 2011 here.   For green tips year-round, look for the Green Series, written by Baldwin's Environmental Science Teacher and Sustainability Coordinator in our news section or on our blog.