CCDS Achieves Gold in Environmental Excellence: A Commitment to Sustainability

Photo Caption: Kate Kranias `26 and Alex Thompson `26, holding the framed award. 

Cincinnati Country Day School is proud to be a 2024 Gold Level recipient of the Encouraging Environmental Excellence in Education program. This prestigious recognition celebrates the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and education.

“At Country Day, stewardship of the natural world is foundational to our identity. In fact, it goes all the way back to our founding ‘Five Miles Farther’ from the city limits,” says Rob Zimmerman `98, head of school. “As a result, we are honored to win this award for environmental excellence and hope it will set a standard of achievement for us to meet each year.”

At Country Day, environmental initiatives are woven into the fabric of the curriculum across all grade levels, which fosters a deep respect for nature among students. For example, the school has installed multiple water bottle refilling stations and provides students with reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste. Additionally, the school collects food waste for composting and reports data back to the school’s kitchen staff, operating by SAGE Dining Services, to minimize waste generation.

The initiative to apply for this award was spearheaded by three juniors, who are also leaders of the Environmental Club: Alex Thompson, Ava Lewis, and Kate Kranias. They worked with different departments throughout the school to gather the necessary information for the application process.

"This recognition not only honors the sustainability work our school has accomplished but also inspires hope for expanding environmental education at Country Day,” says Kate Kranias `26. “While our club focuses on high schoolers, this award acknowledges sustainability efforts across the entire campus. Amidst discouraging climate news, this recognition provides comfort and encouragement to our club and the broader community, affirming Country Day's commitment to maintaining a green campus."

The school’s 60-acre campus could also be seen as a testament to Country Day’s dedication to the environment, featuring no-mow zones, pollinator gardens, walking trails, and native plant areas that support biodiversity. The school’s Environmental Club plays a crucial role in this effort, offering presentations and education to peers on how to be better environmental stewards. Furthermore, the school also participates in the Terracycle program to recycle snack wrappers.

Recently, the Environmental Club started sorting recyclables, further contributing to the environmental efforts at Country Day. When asked what advice she would give to other educators aiming to make a positive impact at their schools, Upper School science teacher Julianna Poole-Sawyer replied, "Talk to people. People are already doing so much; you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Just tap into all those people already doing things and start helping."

These comprehensive efforts have earned Cincinnati Country Day School the highest level of recognition in the Encouraging Environmental Excellence in Education program, acknowledging the school’s commitment to continuing the journey towards a more sustainable future.