Sustainability

For generations, GFS students and faculty have been working together to promote environmental responsibility and guide the community toward more sustainable actions.

In accordance with the School’s Strategic Vision and Sustainable Campus Plan, GFS' five-year Sustainability Plan builds on this history and sets our course for the future. Focused on Infrastructure and Operations, Education and Health, and Environment and Climate, the plan sets measurable goals as we work toward climate neutrality and holistic, whole-school sustainability.

Sustainability through the decades

Read more about GFS' holistic, whole-school approach to sustainability over the years.

The future of sustainability at GFS

Over the next five years, GFS will continue to infuse sustainability into all areas of our culture, academics, and campus. Read more about our plans.

Student activism in action

Our Environmental Action Club (EAC) is a student-led group that organizes events to get GFS students involved in sustainability topics—such as a biannual clothing swap and an annual sustainability fair.

Sustainability Across Campus

Wade Science Center

Built in 2008, the Wade Science Center—a LEED certified building—features state-of-the-art sustainability systems, conserving electric, solar, water, and geothermal energy. See the building's conservation systems in action via our live dashboard.

Explore the wade dashboard

All SCHOOL COMMONS

Our All School Commons, which opened in Fall 2024, features two green roofs that retain and filter rainwater, reduce heat absorption during the summer, and increase biodiversity—among other benefits.

The betty Cary Arboretum

Did you know? The Germantown Friends School campus is a Level 1 arboretum, certified by ArbNet! The Betty Cary Arboretum features over 230 unique species of trees and shrubs situated across 12 acres.

Learn more about our arboretum

Sustainability By The Numbers (2024-2026)

4

Green roofs on the Wade Science Center and the All School Commons.

4

Electric vehicle charging plugs at the school’s Greene Street entrance.

230

Unique species of trees and shrubs in the GFS Betty Cary Level 1 Arboretum.

500

Pounds of e-waste GFS has safely recycled through PAR-Recycle Works.

800

Textbooks from across the school that GFS has recycled through Philadelphia Recycling.

98K

Pounds of organic waste the GFS Dining Hall kitchen has composted since opening in October 2024.

100%

Of GFS’ electricity usage is matched by Green-e certified wind energy certification.

Sustainability News

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GFS Releases Five-Year Sustainability Plan

Learn more about GFS' Five-Year Sustainability Plan, created by Francine Locke, GFS’ Director of Sustainability, in collaboration with the Stewardship Committee and leadership team, and with the input of student leaders in the Upper School Environmental Action Club. This work builds off generations of sustainability and stewardship work across the school community.

PAISBOA Meetings Connect Sustainability Professionals Across Schools

Through ongoing, in-person connection, regional school sustainability leaders are finding inspiration and partnership to fortify their sometimes challenging, but always rewarding work. The group comprises the sustainability arm of PAISBOA: the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools Business Officers Association.

Leveling Up

GFS’ investment in upgrading Athletics facilities continues at Fields with improvements to the Varsity Girls Soccer Field, the Middle House, and more.

Read more about Leveling Up

EAC Sustainability Fair: Telling Your Sustainability Story & Taking Action

The GFS Environmental Action Club Sustainability Fair, held on Friday, September 12, included interactive displays from 27 local and regional sustainability-related organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups.

Gems Hiding in Plain Sight: The Betty Cary Arboretum

Between the main campus and fields, GFS cares for more than 230 different species of trees—475 individuals in all. In addition to the revolutionary-era American Sycamore in the Dead Graveyard, several of them have stunning stories for those who would gather under their shade to learn.

GFS Environmental Action Club Promotes Sustainable Fashion with Secondhand Clothing Swap

After collecting donations from the GFS community for two weeks, GFS' Environmental Action Club (EAC) organized a clothing swap to promote sustainable fashion and engage the student body.

GFS’ Seventh Grade Service Collaborative Engages and Empowers Middle School Students

The Seventh Grade Service Collaborative teaches Middle Schoolers about food insecurity, housing justice, and environmental stewardship, and helps them channel their energy into interactive discussions and solutions-oriented community engagement projects.

Six Standout Features in the All School Commons

The All School Commons will present so many powerful possibilities for community-building, and collaborative learning and teaching. Explore some features of the space that will facilitate these opportunities.

Miles Heck '23 Speaks at City of Philadelphia Earth Day Event

Environmental Changemakers: GFS Alumni Greening the Planet

In celebration of Earth Month, we are highlighting alumni who are helping make our planet a "greener" place.

Meet Francine Locke: Sustainability Director

Francine Locke

Francine Locke is Germantown Friends School’s first Director of Sustainability. Through an innovative partnership with Westtown School, this is a shared role, with Locke working in a part-time capacity for both institutions.

Locke brings a wealth of experience and knowledge; she has a master’s degree in environmental health from Temple University, and previously served as Chief Sustainability Officer for Delaware County and as the Director of Sustainability and Green Schools for the School District of Philadelphia. At GFS, Locke has worked side-by-side with the community, including closely with students, to develop this comprehensive, data- and metrics-driven sustainability plan.

Contact Francine and read more about her work at GFS.