We're Going Green!

The Connections Academy family is dedicated to the success of our students' academic and personal lives by creating a learning environment that fosters achievement and builds self-confidence. We're also aware of the impact our natural environment has on the health and well-being of everyone in the Connections Academy family—and on families around the globe.

So, in our 10th year we are making an official, ongoing commitment to use the world's resources responsibly and to help students learn about building a healthier world.

Green is the new orange...

We are already taking important steps towards green offices and a greener environment. In the coming years, we are committed to continuing and expanding these practices. Check back for updates on our ongoing green initiative. 

Responsible and Reduced Consumption

• 30% recycled paper is used in our schools and corporate offices for printing and copying.
• A paperless process is used for storing important enrollment documents.
• A paperless process is used for managing all purchase orders.
• Environmentally responsible vendors are used for the printing of marketing materials.
• Simple water filtration systems are available in common areas and have replaced bottled water service.
• Reusable ceramic mugs are given to all employees and have replaced the use of disposable paper or plastic cups.
• Bulk containers of sugar, creamer, and other condiments are available in our kitchens reducing the waste of individual packets. 

Recycling

• Recycling bins are available in common work areas.
• Recycling signs are posted on or near recycling bins.
• Shred-it^® bins are used and all paper is recycled after shredding.
• Out-of-date textbooks and printed curriculum materials are recycled.
• iTexts are offered to minimize the number of printed textbooks in circulation.
• Shipping and cardboard boxes are recycled.
• Computers are packed in custom packing foam that is reused for multiple shipments.
• Depleted toner cartridges are recycled.
• Desktops, laptops and monitors are refurbished and recycled. Once they are obsolete, they are sent for disposal through a company certified to dispose of them in an environmentally responsible way. 
• Refurbished workstations are used in our offices.

Energy Conservation

• ENERGY STAR™ qualified desktop and laptop computers are now purchased for employees and qualified students.
• Lights are turned off when not in use during the day and at night, including in common areas.
• Controlled thermostats settings for energy efficiency are used and monitored for day vs. evening use, weekday vs. weekend use and seasonally. This ensures we are not overheating or overcooling our offices. 
• Networked printers and other shared electronic devices are consolidated for use amongst larger work areas to minimize the number of devices that are plugged in and using energy regularly.

Transportation

• 37% of our employees work from home full-time and many of our employees work from home a few days a week reducing traffic and vehicle emissions.
• Our students learn from home also reducing traffic and vehicle emissions from buses and family vehicles.
• Whenever possible we use preferred vendors for services that involve delivery, thus consolidating deliveries and reducing truck traffic and vehicle emissions.