Do you know what green technology is? If you answered no then, you have the same answer as the mass population. According to the Yale Program on Climate Change ¨Communication 48% of Americans underestimate global warming effects like green technology¨.
Green technology is technology that is considered environmentally friendly. At Abington Friends School, we are curious to see how it is implemented into the building. As a result, we interviewed the Director of Business and Operations Martha Scache and the Clerk of Environmental Action and Justice club (EAJ) Vivian Deguzman ‘25.
What is your definition of green technology?
Scache: Green Technology is the movement toward environmental sustainability. It is a huge issue because of the weather changes like the snow in the winter or the heat in the springtime.
Deguzman: Green technology is the push to reduce carbon footprint so that there is less impact on the environment.
How do you think AFS implements green technology?
Scache: Although people might not recognize how AFS is implementing green technology, we are converting all of our lights to motion-detecting LED lights which saves a lot of energy, installing a new heating ventilation, and cooling system in the Lower School, putting out more recycling bins out and having water sensors on the sinks.
Deguzman: AFS implements green technology in many ways. An example would be the sustainable farming and beekeeping that happens on campus. The school is also a certified arboretum with at least 300 trees and has won a MWEE School of Excellence Award.
What are the disadvantages of green technology and how does that affect society?
Scache: The disadvantages of green technology are centered around accessibility. More environmentally friendly devices and products cost more than regular ones. However, it is very hard to tell what is truly an environmentally responsible investment and the returns aren’t as good. All of those things become a factor when you are trying to manage the overall financial health of the school.
Deguzman: The main issue with green technology is the high initial costs. This discourages people from implementing technology that benefits the environment, in some cases cost beneficial in the end and there are issues with the amount of space that some green technology requires.
In conclusion, AFS as an institution has put a lot of effort into green technology! However, the push for energy going into sustainability never ends. If you want to bring forward any new ideas or give some constructive criticism join EAJ and attend one of the meetings during club block this year.
