NHSCF Presents “Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality at the Collegiate Level”

Andrew Noviello ‘23

On March 25, the National High School Climate Forum (NHSCF) hosted its second speaker event, titled “Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality at the Collegiate Level,” with guest speakers Tom Twist, (Bates College sustainability manager) and Shana Weber (founding director of Princeton University’s Office of Sustainability).

NHSCF, with a current membership of around 40 independent schools from 25 states, was founded by Third Formers Alex Noviello and Andrew Noviello and by Princeton Day School seniors Hope Jerris, Abigail Weinstein, and Holly Teti, who moderated the evening’s event.

Weber began the webinar with a presentation on Princeton’s sustainability efforts, discussing a variety of innovative means through which the school was attempting to cut carbon emissions. She also addressed plans to decrease water usage from the main plant, another key component to sustainability. She was followed by Twist, from fully carbon-neutral Bates College. He discussed the necessity of reducing emissions at the global level, while stressing energy efficiency as an often overlooked means of achieving carbon neutrality.

The speakers took student questions  - many pertaining to ways to become involved in sustainability initiatives - after their presentations. In response, Weber stressed the importance of voicing student opinions to the administration, while Twist expressed his belief in the importance of connecting passionate students together to make change, perfectly summing up the NHSCF mission.

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.