#1 in NYC and #11 Nationwide
Grace is ranked 1st in New York City for the second consecutive year in the EPA’s annual list of the largest green power users among K-12 school partners. The school is also ranked #11 among schools across the nation, up one spot from last year. The rankings are a reflection of the school’s institutional commitment to combating the very real threat of climate change.
For nearly a decade, Grace has participated in programs that increase its use of renewable energy sources, including the EPA’s Green Power Partnership. Additionally, the school participates in energy curtailment programs during high volume periods to save energy and city usage. The school participates in the city recycling and composting program, in the interschool programs with the New York Association of Independent Schools and the Green Schools Alliance. GCS seeks to educate the community about behavioral changes that can impact energy use.
Notably, all of the 2.2 million kilowatts of energy the school used last year came from wind power. Relying on purely renewable energy to power the school is not only a reflection of the institution’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, but has also led to a significant decrease to how much is spent on purchasing energy.
The school's move to use only green power compliments a curriculum focused on the environment and energy in science classes, 7th and 9th grade sustainability classes, and high school lab day classes. The school’s kitchens have reduced energy use and earned a Green Restaurant Certification. In addition, the school has a high school service learning program that encourages students working on green projects to mentor younger community members in developing more sustainable habits.
Read more about our sustainability efforts here.