Palmer Trinity School believes schools have a special role and responsibility in confronting the challenges of climate change and environmental stewardship. The school is dedicated to addressing these issues both inside and outside of the classroom. We are working to create replicable models of how schools can engage their entire community around implementing innovative and economically-viable solutions that build a healthier, more sustainable campus. These green initiatives help Palmer Trinity School achieve its goals of promoting a cultural change within the school and becoming a sustainable school for the long term.
Vision
Sustainability at PTS is a group of students, teachers, and staff working together to achieve an environmentally sustainable future. We envision a world in which a respect for our planet and its inhabitants comes naturally to all members of our community.
Mission
- To educate and empower students to embrace an environmentally healthy, socially just, and economically viable lifestyle.
- To create replicable models of how schools can engage their entire community around implementing innovative and economically-viable solutions that build a healthier, more sustainable campus.
- To reduce the school’s carbon footprint in the short term and achieve carbon neutrality in the long term.
Values
- Community – we work together to bring forth a sustainable global society.
- Stewardship – we take ownership and responsibility for improving our natural and social environment.
- Citizenship – we possess the strength of character and the courage to do what is right.
Objectives
- Create healthy learning environments that connect students with nature.
- Provide students with the knowledge, values, long-term vision, and skills to live sustainably.
- Reduce Palmer Trinity School’s environmental footprint over time.
- Involve all members of the school community to help set and meet our sustainability goals.
Rationale
Schools are beginning to recognize the need to reflect the reality that humanity is affecting the environment in ways which are historically unprecedented and which are potentially devastating for both natural ecosystems and humankind. Schools are uniquely positioned to influence the direction we choose to take as a society. As major contributors to the values, health and wellbeing of society, schools have a fundamental responsibility to teach sustainability. We believe that the success of schools in the twenty-first century will be judged by our ability to make sustainability and the environment a cornerstone of education (adapted from http://www.ulsf.org).
Sustainability at PTS 