Doane Stuart Launches Major Sustainability Initiative with Support from Sierra Club Grant
Electric vehicle, landscaping equipment, and tree planting project improves campus and community air quality
The Doane Stuart School is excited to share a significant step forward in our commitment to environmental sustainability. Thanks to a generous grant from the Sierra Club Hudson Mohawk Group, the school has launched a multi-faceted initiative that includes the addition of a fully electric Ford Lightning truck, a complete set of electric landscaping equipment, and a campus tree-planting project — all designed to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the City of Rensselaer.
“A collaboration with the Sierra Club Hudson Mowhak made immediate sense to me,” said David Wells, Upper School Dean and Project Lead. “Upon our arrival in Rensselaer in 2009, we installed a green roof and solar panels. Now, with the Sierra Club’s support we were allowed to take the next steps to improving our community in Rensselaer.”
This opportunity was made possible through funds originally allocated by the New York State Public Service Commission to support clean air initiatives in our region.
Electrifying Our Transportation
After evaluating various electric vehicle options, Doane Stuart selected the Ford Lightning as a practical and sustainable upgrade that will serve multiple roles across campus. The truck will be used for:
- Transporting student-athletes for merged athletic programs
- Supporting the upkeep of our campus grounds
- Helping the culinary staff with large grocery and supply runs
- Delivering classroom materials, including ceramics clay sourced from Hudson, NY
Greener Groundskeeping
The grant also funded the purchase of fully electric landscaping tools to replace the school’s aging gas-powered equipment. This includes:
- One riding zero-turn lawn mower
- Two push mowers
- A string trimmer and leaf blower
In keeping with the project’s environmental mission, all existing gas-powered tools will be responsibly decommissioned and destroyed to prevent further emissions.
Planting for the Future
The final component of the initiative focuses on long-term environmental impact. A portion of the grant will fund the planting of new trees across the Doane Stuart campus, helping sequester carbon, improve local air quality, and enhance the natural beauty of our grounds for generations of students to come.
Doane Stuart is proud to be part of a movement toward more sustainable school operations and is committed to continuing efforts that support environmental responsibility and community well-being.
