Berkshire School uses a conceptual model to present sustainability as the pursuit toward three interrelated objectives: 1) environmental integrity; 2) economic justice; and 3) social equity. In this definition, faculty and staff are encouraged to begin thinking about sustainability from any of these three perspectives.
The school has a Director of Sustainability and a sustainability committee that are tasked by the administration to establish sustainable principles and practices that enhance the positive transformation of the campus community through the following goals:
Education/Administration- Promote education and research on social, economic, and environmental sustainability by building community, student, faculty, and staff awareness.
Energy- Create a net zero Green House Gas emissions (GHG) campus through energy efficiency, conservation, on-site generation and strategic procurement of clean and renewable energy.
Food- Create a local and organic closed loop food system by observing sustainability criteria for all food purchasing, preparation and service, cleaning, waste disposal, and purchase of equipment and supplies.
Land Use- Protect and maintain the natural campus environment through restoration, preservation, and education while enhancing the campus as a classroom.
Procurement/Disposal- Through efficient procurement strategies, processes, and systems, organize the acquisition and responsible use of resources in a manner that supports a “triple bottom line" of economy, society, and environment. Reduce and ultimately eliminate waste streams on campus with the ultimate goal of a net zero waste campus through implementation of “cradle to cradle" processes and practices.