ASH First Independent School To Receive Michigan Green School Designation
The Academy of the Sacred Heart received official designation as a Michigan Green School in January 2008. In recognition of its environmentally-friendly activities, both within the school's facilities and in its curriculum, ASH is the first independent school to receive this designation.
A sampling of the Academy's activities include:
- Building student awareness: The Academy has hosted an array of speakers regarding the environment and conservation/preservation. As is developmentally appropriate, students participate in activities such as researching endangered animals, studying plant growth, participating in Earth Day activities and "adopting" animals.
- Wildlife habitats: The grounds support two successful bird habitats, which include a bird bath, pine trees and protection from three sides. There are fruit-producing bushes and bird feed for many different species. Squirrels are also considered and are given acorns to keep them out of the bird feed. The campus also contains a duck pond and a nature trail; all areas are used for observation in the context of the curriculum.
- Reducing paper use/recycling paper: In the Upper School technology classroom alone, a focus on reducing printing has saved an estimated 2,500 pieces of paper per quarter. Additional paper is saved through paperless faculty and staff meetings. A recycling box is available in every classroom and office, and many faculty re-purpose periodicals for classroom projects.
- Energy management systems: The Academy has had an energy management system in place for more than 30 years. The Academy has removed ballasts from each classroom to cut electricity usage by 50%; planted shade trees near its chapel reducing the use of air conditioning, outfitted 50% of its bathrooms with water-saving faucets, and installed motion sensors for lights in new areas of the building.
In May 2006, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the "Michigan Green School Act." This act grants "Michigan Green School" designation to any public or private school in Michigan which meet certain criteria. Qualifying schools receive an official Michigan Green School flag and a large handsome certificate to proudly display achievements in saving taxpayer dollars and protecting Michigan's natural resources.
