Ethics of Sustainability Class
Creating a sustainable society is an ethical choice that begins with individual decisions. These decisions consider the community of life on Earth, its near and distant members, and future members. In this course, Rowland Hall students read texts that address the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. Each student then develops a project to help make Rowland Hall a more sustainable institution. Students also have the opportunity to study or visit schools and other organizations that are models of sustainability.
Recent projects: (to come)
Sustainability in the Classroom
Green Cup Challenge
“In January 2009 Rowland Hall participated in the Green Cup Challenge, a student-driven, interschool energy competition that builds awareness about climate change and the environment, educates the community about the importance of resource conservation, and encourages the participation of the entire campus. This year Rowland Hall was one of more than 150 schools competing to measure and reduce campus electricity use and related GHG emissions, as well as waste and water. During the 29 days of the competition Rowland Hall reduced it’s electrical consumption across the entire school by nearly 20%, resulting in a fourth place finish in our division. Report from Alan Sparrow . . .
Wind Power
95% of electricity in Utah is generated from coal-fired power plants, which negatively impacts our global climate and human health, while contributing significantly to the levels of mercury pollution. Coal-generated electricity contributes about half of the greenhouse gas emissions in Utah. Wind is a viable, environmentally friendly alternative. In Western North America, wind could generate 150% of our electrical needs.
Rowland Hall's Fourth Grade Windpower Project
In 2006-07, when the 73 fourth grade students learned about wind power, they decided to act on that knowledge and make their share of the grid electricity come from new wind sources. Based on the total electricity use by the school and the total number of students, this was achieved when each student donated $3.17 to the campaign. End result? The fourth grade purchased wind power to cover 169% of their needs. In 2007-08, these same students, now as fifth graders, acted as wind ambassadors to the fourth grade, and with their help, the fourth grade achieved 231% of its goal. The work of these fourth and fifth graders inspired the track team to “offset” all its 2007-2008 travel costs for meets!
Contribute to Production of Wind Power
Parents and friends of Rowland Hall who wish to contribute to the production of new wind energy on the western grid will find these links helpful:
The University of Utah Wind Program
Rocky Mountain Blue Sky Program
