Sustainability News

Single-use plastic: We are pleased to announce that Knox no longer sells single-use plastic water or juice bottles. Students and staff are being issued Knox-branded reusable water bottles in Term 3, and juice is now available in Tetra Pak cartons, alongside other beverages in sustainable packaging from our canteens.

Single-use coffee cups: These are a thing of the past for Knox staff, as each member is receiving a Knox-branded KeepCup this term.

Solar panel array: Our solar panel array has been successfully expanded across both our Preparatory and Senior School campuses. The new 674kW solar array is now operational, reducing our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the equivalent of taking 1,008 cars off the road each year! This initiative places Knox Grammar School at the forefront of solar power production among Sydney's educational institutions.

Water conservation: The School now captures all water from our fields and surrounding buildings, marking another significant step in our sustainability plan.

Paper recycling: We have transitioned to 100% recycled paper in all local printers. Additionally, blue paper recycling bins have been distributed throughout the School.

Transport: Our first electric bus began operating at the start of Term 1 this year, with the full fleet expected to be on the road by Term 1, 2025.

Wet waste management: To reduce wet waste going to landfill and to repurpose liquids into a liquid fertiliser, a Biofeed system has been installed within our catering services. We are currently monitoring the system's performance, and early results are promising.

But our efforts don't stop here. Within the next year, we will launch our Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) in collaboration with a consortium of four other independent schools. This initiative will allow us to transition the remainder of our energy needs to 100% renewable sources, powered by solar and wind farms.

Knox Grammar School is proud to lead the way towards a greener future!