Rochester School is first TRUE-certified K-12 facility in the world!
As the Director of Sustainability at Rochester School, I'm proud to highlight our recent achievement of the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) GOLD certification for the Rochester School project. This prestigious certification underscores our commitment to innovative zero waste practices and sustainable policies. One of our key strategies involved implementing comprehensive waste diversion programs, which have not only significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills but also resulted in substantial cost savings. By rethinking our waste management processes, we diverted 97,6% of our waste from disposal through recycling, composting, and reusing materials.
Our success in achieving TRUE GOLD certification was largely due to the active engagement and dedication of our community. We involved our community about the importance of waste reduction and proper recycling techniques. Our Community composed by students, parents, staff and teachers was encouraged to participate in activities related to zero waste events, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship across the campus. Additionally, we used educational strategies such as our sustainability curriculum in the classes to teach students to monitor waste streams such as organic and inorganic residues and the adoption of a closed-loop system for materials, ensuring that resources are reused and repurposed whenever possible.
The environmental impact of our zero waste practices has been profound. We have reduced our carbon footprint by minimizing the need for new raw materials and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal. Furthermore, our commitment to zero waste has had a ripple effect, benefiting the local community by reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices. We hope that our efforts will inspire other educational institutions in the area to adopt similar sustainability initiatives. Through our continuous dedication to zero waste, Rochester School is not only fostering a healthier environment but also creating a model for sustainability that others can follow.
Achieving TRUE certification was crucial for our project as it validated our commitment to sustainability and zero waste practices. It provided a framework to systematically reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and demonstrate environmental responsibility. This certification not only showcases our dedication to sustainability but also sets a standard for other educational institutions to follow, reinforcing our role as a leader in implementing sustainable strategies that benefit not only our community but also Colombia.
Achieving TRUE certification was a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It reflects our dedication to not only meeting but exceeding the highest standards of zero waste practices.
- Jorge Quintero Sustainability Director, Rochester School.
Learn more about Rochester School in this video and their case study.
Photo credit: Jorge Humberto Quintero Velez