ASPgreenteam's Blog

Interested in hearing how to reach our climate goals, from climate experts? Panels including experts from the IEA (International Energy Agency), The Climate Group, UN Environmental Program, Greenpeace, and Attac will be presenting a series of discussions on important subjects related to climate changes at the American University of Paris. The series starts 18:30 Tuesday, October 20 at 6 rue du Colonel Combes, Paris 7th, Room C12.

October 20: “You say you want a revolution”: What changes must we undergo if we are to tackle climate change?

October 27: Developing and emerging economies: points for engagement on climate change. Kuwait on clean oil; China’s energy and environmental future; India on renewable energy.

November 10th: Energy technology perspectives for a sustainable future: trends, costs and impacts.

November 17th: Civil society, media, and public acceptance of climate change: where is the public on climate change?

Monthly use was down from 83155 kWh to 80347 kWh between September 08 and 09

Upper School students heard about the project this morning in Assembly: after the 3% reduction we saw between September 2008 and 2009, what can be achieved in October, and how? A quick brainstorming session led to lots of good ideas.

Green Team will be taking up the ball now and working throughout the year to put in place, monitor and publicize  energy efficiency measures. We’ll also be reporting back every month on our data.

Next week Middle School Green Team will bring the message to their assembly. Stay posted!

Great presentation from the Environmental Manager at the Fritz-Erler School in Pforzheim, which has reduced their energy use by 40% in the last 6 years, along with other less-measurable achievements. Below is a list of ideas that could be transferable to ASP…

Fritz-Erler Schule - check out the solar panels!

• “Waste police” student group monitors trash, recycling, lighting & heating in classrooms, leaving reminder notes in non-complying rooms and rewarding rooms with a good record
• Student environmental reps (2) are elected by each class, participate in the council and receive a detailed letter of recommendation at the end of the year
• Monthly meeting of the environmental committee are open to the public
• Environmental forum twice a year with the Environmental Manager, 3 teachers, 3 students, and reps from 12 different parties
• Traffic light in a central area is red if more electricity was used per day compared to last year, green if less
• On open house day, the waste police makes a huge pile of trash in a central area – very impressive!
• Permanent display of materials not wanted on campus (single-use containers, etc)
• Regular sale of recycled school products by the business club
• Annual sustainability report including articles by students
• Clearly-written environmental policy with 7 principles (didn’t have time to copy them all)