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IN a bid to have one of the lowest carbon footprints per educated child, Woodridge College and Preparatory School (Woodridge) has launched Eco Smart, a programme designed to reduce its impact on the environment and reduce energy consumption costs by 30%.
With its unique location on the edge of the Van Stadens river gorge, Woodridge has always nurtured strong ties to the outdoors. “The environment is an essential part of our school’s ethos, how we educate our children, and for our school sports,” remarks Woodridge College Headmaster, Derek Bradley. “Eco Smart is designed to preserve our surroundings and reduce our environmental impact, and it’s something that all pupils and staff are excited about being part of.”
In the year since wild fires devastated large parts of the campus, Woodridge has used the incident as an opportunity to modernise the school and rebuild it with future energy efficient objectives in mind.
A school-wide initiative, the programme also promotes environmental awareness to ensure a sustainable future for the school. “Eco Smart is our way of living up to our environmental responsibility,” adds Bradley. “We want to create an eco-conscious mindset amongst staff, pupils and their families to influence future generations. We want to inspire by using a progressive approach to modern education. Eco Smart has the potential to position Woodridge as a shining example of eco awareness and sustainable schooling.”
Managed by a dedicated team, under the direction of Woodridge alumnus, Ray Holmes, Eco Smart is being rolled out in phases, with each focusing on one aspect of sustainability, namely energy generation, energy efficiency, water security and recycling.
The vision for Woodridge is for it to become a true eco-school, placing it among a select few schools that have committed to sustainable education.
“We’re proud of our reputation and our standing within the education system, and hope that our eco-credentials become another attractive aspect to our offering,” concludes Bradley.
