An Update on Exeter’s Environmental Impact and Sustainability Goals

By  ARYAN AGARWAL, MARVIN SHIM, KEVIN THANT, and ANDREW YANG

Climate change is one of the largest global issues of our age. As mass famine, fatal natural disasters, and the destruction of our environment all become a commonality, it is critical for Exeter to always consider and monitor its environmental footprint. Exeter faculty and students alike have been taking action for decades, from the establishment of clubs such as the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) to the administration’s creation of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP).

The Academy has shown its diligence through a multitude of sustainable projects and commitments. The most notable of these projects include the SCAP, as well as the recent installation of eighty-six geothermal wells under the Academy lawn, bringing the total amount to two hundred and forty-nine wells across the campus. Amid the winter term, considering how Exeter’s efforts have moved us toward our goals is how we can achieve a sustainable future.

The framework for reaching a positive future outlined in the SCAP have all been shaped by the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC), as well as Principal Bill Rawson himself. 

Manager of Sustainability and Natural Resources Warren Biggins said, “The issues posed by climate change and the degradation of the environment are some of the most pressing problems facing humanity today, so I think it’s imperative that PEA educates all our students on the science of climate change and the principles of sustainability.” 

Biggins is involved in many campus efforts towards sustainability, including a larger on-campus solar array, as well as the reduction of the use of natural gas in the Academy’s central heating plant. His positive outlook towards the future is backed by the real, everyday efforts that he and his team take to integrate practical and sustainable solutions, and he feels that the best thing that Exeter as a school can do is to educate its students about sustainability. 

Instructor in Science Sydney Goddard agreed with Biggins: “You have such a huge number of square feet on this campus that it becomes more difficult to do the right thing in every place at the same time. So, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done and it’s gonna take money, but it’s well worth it.” Exeter’s progress toward its climate goals has impressed Goddard, but she knows that there is always improvement to be made, and addresses that the hardship will be for the best.

In addition, Rawson expanded on the Academy’s plan and the results they have found so far: “We have already reduced carbon emissions by approximately 60 percent as reflected in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan itself,” he reflected, citing the 86 geothermal wells that were installed under the Academy Building lawn this past summer. “We also will install geothermal wells in the coming year to support the renovation of the Davis Building, which will become the new home for the Classics Department,” he added.

The Academy is also in the process of conducting a study on the feasibility of Exeter’s current strategies in meeting its 2031 and 2050 goals. Biggins stated, “One thing the study has already made clear is that we must address our natural gas use in the central heating plant [in order] to meet the 2031 goal.”

Student organizations have aided in the development of Exeter’s measures toward a sustainable future, notably the Exeter Environmental Action Committee (EAC). Senior Chris Serrao, a co-head of EAC, said, “I’ve especially been interested in the geothermal wells, which I think are a great addition.” He also explained, “I’d like to see a more diverse environmental curriculum as a whole. I believe that it would be able to further build upon students’ interest in environmental awareness and action.”

Senior Daniel Park, another co-head of EAC, added, “I do wish there to be a greater emphasis placed in the education aspect of environmental awareness, specifically aimed to get rid of the ‘bystander apathy’ mentality surrounding students and their impact on the environment. Additionally, many students remain unaware of the solar panels on the Field House or the implementation of geothermal wells, which is something that should be more emphasized on campus.” Park said that many students believe the issue to be “beyond themselves,” thus disregarding the problem.

To address this problem, the Academy plans to integrate sustainability into many of Exeter’s programs; one notable change that has been made is in the Science Department, which has deliberately addressed climate change at introductory levels while creating new courses related to sustainability. However, most of the student body has not yet received sufficient knowledge on the topic.

 “One really big area that we need to work on is educating students on the daily behaviors needed to be more sustainable, in terms of recycling, composting, electricity, and water consumption,” stated Goddard. “If more students would be more efficient to not waste energy, it would be much easier for the Academy to reach decarbonization.”

To combat this issue, Goddard suggested implementing a sustainability orientation. “One thing that had been hoped for was a sustainability orientation at the start of every year so that students know how to prevent food waste and overuse of electricity and energy,” she continued. “There’s a lot of things that have been done that the student body doesn’t know about, including the solar panels on the roofs … one must live with sustainability, not just talk about it.”

Rawson elaborated on the Academy’s goal of educating the student body: “Our education goal in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan reflects our commitment to teach and live the principles of a just and sustainable society, expressly stated in our core value of non-sibi … I cannot predict what new curricular and co-curricular offerings will be developed in the coming years, but I anticipate new courses, global studies opportunities, and internships will all be in the mix.”

As the world progresses, so does the issue of climate change. The SCAP and EAC’s continued action shows the Academy’s commitment to solving this issue. However, the future of our world rests in students’ hands, who will tackle these issues beyond their years at Exeter and  mold the future into what they see fit. We must keep this world healthy for the next generation, and with a sustainability-focused curriculum, Exeter can create a prepared set of leaders. Education on this matter is critical as we learn about how we can help make a change. It is our responsibility to take the best care of our planet, and the Academy’s responsibility to help us in this endeavor.