"In order for independent schools to thrive in the 21st Century, NAIS believes that they must be sustainable along five dimensions: financial, demographic, programmatic, environmental, and global.
NAIS is pleased to work with the Green Schools Alliance (GSA) to help schools become greener. We encourage all independent schools to support the goals of the GSA and to make a commitment to greater environmental sustainability, such as the GSA pledge."
Patrick F. Bassett
President,
National Association
of
Independent Schools
The GSA Green Schools Climate Commitment is a result of the experience and guidance of a few pioneers. The GSA would like to acknowledge the contribution of the following organizations and individuals to the development of the Green Schools Climate Commitment:
American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment The GSA would like to extend a special recognition to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and in particular, Michelle McKay, for contributing ideas, language, and lessons learned [and] to the Green Schools Climate Commitment. The GSA Pledge owes a large measure to the experience and generosity of Michelle and the ACUPCC.
The Allen-Stevenson School
The GSA Pledge evolved as a result of a grassroots movement by K-12 Independent schools, inspired by The Allen-Stevenson School in NYC. The GSA would like to thank the A-S community for launching the GSA Pledge, and in particular [to] David Trower, A-S Headmaster; Harris Stein, A-S Business Manager; and Joe Foresta, A-S Facility Manager, for unwavering guidance and support.
Empowerment Institute
The GSA thanks David Gershon, Director of the Empowerment Institute, for his keen insights, experience and for many early discussions about engaging “early adopter communities” to embrace climate change solutions.
National Association of Independent Schools
The GSA appreciates the support of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and in particular Jefferson Burnett and Wynn Calder (strategic consultant to NAIS), as well as other NAIS school representatives who helped to develop Pledge ideas, language, and targets. GSA thanks NAIS for its partnership, guidance, and promotion of GSA, its mission, and goals to the independent school community.
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
The GSA gratefully acknowledges Frances Beinecke, President of NRDC, and Ashok Gupta, Director of the Air and Energy Program at NRDC and Advisor to the Mayor’s Sustainability Task Force, for introducing the GSA to Mayor Bloomberg’s carbon reduction goals. The GSA thanks them both for their on-going friendship, strategic guidance and encouragement.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
The GSA is grateful to NYSERDA and Matt Brown for contributing first draft language to the Pledge. The GSA would also like to acknowledge NYSERDA for supporting Pledge target reductions of 30% in 5 years. NYSERDA programs prove that with innovative resources, schools and other institutions can meet significant energy and carbon reduction goals.
PLaNYC
The GSA respectfully acknowledges Mayor Bloomberg’s challenge to all NYC institutions to reduce carbon emissions by 30% in 10 years as the inspiration behind the Green Schools Climate Commitment. The GSA would also like to express special thanks to Rohit Aggarwala and Laurie Kerr of the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability for their support and guidance in the promotion of the GSA Pledge.
