Feringa exit lights changed to LED light; they have a 25-year life expectancy. Yields big savings in energy usage and labor. Other buildings to come. 

Began replacing toilets with 1.6 gallon flush (on-going).   

1999 

Auto energy on-off switches for lights were installed in all rooms on campus. This was done at no cost to Watkinson through a $15,000 gift from CT Light & Power.   

2001 

Goodwin Hall received additional insulation in the ceiling   

2003 

Insulation was added to the Active Learning Center. In addition, heat conservation was improved when a drop ceiling and four new windows were installed.   

An energy efficient boiler was installed in the Gate House, received free from CT Natural Gas (changing from oil to gas).   

Removed 90% of the incandescent light bulbs and switched to compact fluorescent bulbs, both inside and out (ongoing).   

Ninety percent of cleaners used on campus are environmentally friendly (ongoing)   

Began replacement of all the windows in Feringa Hall (received a grant to support initial replacements).  From 2003-2007, 140 high-efficiency, insulated, sound reduction windows were installed.   

2004 

Installed either time clocks or photo cells on all of the amphitheater stair lights, and all exterior lights so that they go off at night.   

2006 

Installed a high efficiency HVAC system, connecting all buildings with state of the art central temperature control system, allowing us to receive rebate from CL&P ($20,000).   

Sixth grade began annual storm drain stenciling project in Bloomfiled as part of science curriculum.   

2008 Sustainability team formed to review current practices and improve sustainability efforts on campus.   

Board approved the construction of the energy-neutral Center for Science and Global studies, to open on campus in 2009.  This building, constructed by San Francisco-based Project FROG, is the first of its kind in New England.   

Community garden initiative began.   

2009 

Began working toward eliminating all pesticides by July 2009. 

Began working with organic fertilizer company in early 2009.   

Sustainability web presence launched.   

Raised beds installed in community garden, and garden expanded.  Growing vegetables to be used in Watkinson's dining room, including:

• carrots, from seed 
• beets, from seed 
• Brussels Sprouts, from seedlings 
• parsnips, from seed 
• sunflowers, from seed 
• onions from very small bulblets 
• sweet potatoes from seed 
• potatoes 
• pumpkins from seed 
• decorative gourds from seed 
• winter squash from seed 
• garlic from bulblets 
• Herbs from seedlings

Shifted all printing of Watkinson News to be done on 100% post-consumer waste, recycled stock.  Will save approximately 60 trees annually.
Instituted "Wednesday Pasta Day" weekly as a meatless menu reduces the school's carbon footprint.
Single stream recycling implemented on campus.
2010
Watkinson received the Ct Association of Independent Schools Award for leadership in the area of sustainability.
First digital issue of Watkinson News published.