Graded Grows Greener: A Year of Sustainability Highlights

Graded is on a mission to become a model of school sustainability, one action at a time. With the dedication of our community, the momentum is building. Below, we have outlined the highlights of our 2023-24 environmental efforts.

From Campus Trash to Compost Gold

A key sustainability focus during the 2023-24 school year was the reduction of waste sent to landfills. Four new compost bins doubled the capacity for on-campus composting. Collection points were added to recycle specialty items like sponges and writing utensils in addition to the existing battery and plastic cap (Tampinha Legal) recycling, while cafeteria waste disposal stations were updated to streamline composting and recycling. Additional grade levels in the lower school were introduced to vermicomposting, an activity that encourages students to manage their snack-time waste and become environmental stewards.

These efforts paid off. By the year’s end, non-recyclable waste decreased by 32.32%. Graded composted 11,000 kilograms of waste—an 83% rise from the previous year—producing nearly 1,500 kilograms of fertilizer for the campus grounds and the community. 

 

Individual Actions, Collective Change

In April, Graded’s Sustainability Committee, with the Cafeteria’s support, carried out a Food Waste Challenge. The two-day challenge showed every student, faculty, and staff member how the power of individual actions leads to collective impact. The results were impressive: food waste dropped from an average of 13.3% in March to an average of 7.92% during the campaign, and measurements of waste after the challenge proved that the campaign had a lasting effect. 

 

Beyond the Bins

Last year’s efforts extended beyond waste reduction. Two additional solar kiosks were added, and rainwater collection tanks were installed on all kiosks. In addition to being a favorite spot for students, faculty, and staff to work or have lunch, each kiosk generates enough power to charge 40 computers a day. Solar panels were also installed to fully power the Learning Lab. 

In May, high school students led the Spring of Harmony event, raising more than R$7,000 for SOS Mata Atlântica, an organization dedicated to protecting Brazil’s forests. 

School printers were configured for double-sided printing, resulting in nearly a 35% reduction in paper. 

Celebration of the World (COTW) became Graded’s first carbon-neutral event. Country booths made the switch from plastic to paper cups and plates, and the school placed compost and recycling bins throughout the event space. 

At the end of the school year, the lower school vegetable gardens were revitalized, allowing our youngest students to connect with and appreciate nature and learn about the food growth cycle. 

 

Building a Sustainable Community

Graded is committed to fostering a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility. The school’s sustainability partner provided 37 hours of training and support, and the Sustainability Committee met ten times throughout the year to discuss challenges and new initiatives. 

Employee engagement in sustainable practices rose by 49%, and an increasing number of our community members perceive Graded as a sustainable school. A newly launched sustainability newsletter for faculty, staff, and upper school students has kept the community informed and engaged.

 

What’s Next

Graded’s sustainability is a work in progress. A survey distributed to faculty, staff, and students in grades 3-12 last year pinpointed material consumption, energy use, and food waste as key areas to address during the 2024-25 academic year. In response to student feedback, Graded will hold food waste challenges each semester to encourage waste reduction. New electrical panels will be installed in all buildings so that the school can accurately measure energy usage. Additionally, the school will work to make major events more sustainable.