Sustainability

View Solar Energy Daily DashboardIs Suffield’s Solar Array Producing?

Sustainability is the fastest area of growth in all aspects of life and these concepts are crucial to securing a healthy future for our planet. Guided by these goals, it is now up to all of us to implement these environmental initiatives.

Suffield Academy maintains a strong focus on using resources responsibly and growing awareness of our carbon footprint. This includes educational programs, campus construction, and various school awards and annual activities. Suffield proudly supports the 17 global goals for sustainable development in all areas of campus life. The United Nations established the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 as an effort to “transform our world” by 2030. These goals—and 169 associated targets at its core—aim to end poverty, fight inequality, and stop climate change.

When you care about the environment, you feel as if you are never doing enough to protect it. I am extremely proud of Suffield’s effort to weave environmental initiatives into our everyday life on campus. It is an important aspect of our Leadership Program to recognize our role in sustainable development at both a personal and community level.
Charlie Cahn, Head of School

Solar Energy Project

Suffield Academy has installed a 600-kilowatt solar power array projected to produce 790kW of energy per year. It is located on the western portion of campus with trenching that connects it to the Ap Seaverns Athletic Center. Solar energy will cover around a quarter of Suffield’s annual use and the system can be expanded over time.

Leadership Awards

The Leadership Program at Suffield is of lasting significance and greatly enhances our role as global citizens. It prepares students and alumni to make a substantial difference beyond our campus. Core elements include an emphasis on understanding a moral foundation, goal-setting, communication skills, problem-solving, self-awareness, and inspiring others. It is in this way we fully embrace our partnerships with the 17 global goals for sustainable development. Only by working together can we secure a future for our planet. Suffield recognizes leadership in several ways:

Leishman Family Energy Conservation Award

The Leishman Family Energy Conservation Award is granted to a student who best demonstrates knowledge and commitment to using less energy through conservation strategies, recommends the installation of energy efficient technologies that preserve natural resources and reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, or implements a project that improves Suffield Academy’s environmental management. The student has to show creativity and commitment to educate others about environmental issues, and an interest in solutions to environmental problems. Previous projects included cold water laundry, approaches to heating the swimming pool, and various heating efficiency ideas in school buildings.

Robinson Environmental Award

Alumni Leadership Awards

Alumni Leadership Awards honor Suffield graduates who have displayed notable leadership in their professional careers or in a humanitarian endeavor. The selection committee is comprised of alumni, current students, and members of the faculty. Past recipients include Tor Peterson ’82, Gretchen Schwabe Wilcox ’77, Dr. Paul Sullivan ’58, and Dr. Richard Wahle ’73 (2013), Thomas C. Greene ’87 and Kristin Hostetter Pandit ’86 (2014), Gerard J. Hall ’77, Dr. Michael F. Sheridan ’58, and Joseph G. Thompkins ’58 (2015), David Celentano ’69, Michelle Kaminsky ’84, and Ben Diep ’85 (2016), David R. Holmes ’60 and Janice H. Lee ’99 (2017), David "Rocky" Rockwell '58 (2018), and David R. Holdridge '62 and May Chow '02.

Electro-Contest Fall ’22

Electro-Contest Winter ’22

Electro-Contest Fall ’21

Solar Array Dedication