At SACS our blood is blue, and our heart is green.

Thanks to the generous support of the Metta Foundation and a strong commitment to environmental conservation, SACS has embarked on a remarkable journey toward a more sustainable future. The SACS Green Initiative represents our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint, embracing clean energy solutions, and ensuring a positive impact on future operational costs. Through a series of projects overseen by the SACS Endowment Trust, SACS has made remarkable strides in the quest for a greener, more responsible world.

SACS Junior School proudly stands as a symbol of environmental progress with its solar array installation. This initiative has already generated 16 MWh of power this year, meeting 55% of the school’s energy needs. In the process, it has saved over 9 000 kg of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 270 trees. This 29.2KW solar array exemplifies our commitment to harnessing the power of the sun for sustainable energy. Phase two of this installation is currently in progress, with a 64KW array being commissioned for the pool and boarding house. The next phase aims to add even more panels to the hall roof, edging us closer to the goal of sourcing 75% of our energy from solar power. 

SACS High School installed 190 panels for a 87kWp system on the North East roof space. This covers the schools electricity needs completely on cloudless days from 10am to 3pm. Our system produces approximately 500kWp a day.  We have also introduced solar street lighting in the High School to enhance security while ensuring the utilisation of clean, renewable energy sources.

SACS has also invested in battery back-up power systems, ensuring that teaching continues seamlessly even during load shedding. The Junior School admin block remains live, and the school can continue with events in the hall during power outages. Both hostels and parts of the High School are also now on battery backup.  The High School has battery and Inverters to power the Hofmeyr Hall, Admin block and IT Block, plus the library.

The beauty of these systems lies in their ability to recharge using solar energy, providing an uninterrupted and eco-friendly power source. 

Our pool covers have been in use since 2022, resulting in a remarkable 30% drop in the cost of electricity used for pool heating. This simple yet effective measure has significantly contributed to our ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption. We have also installed new low-energy heat pumps for High and Junior pools to reduce energy consumption while maintaining pool temperatures.

SACS partnered with Energy Partners Home Solutions in 2017, a part of the PSG group of companies, to install a solar system at the Rosedale Boarding House. This renewable energy system was chosen to reduce our carbon footprint and combat rising electricity tariffs. The project has already led to substantial cost savings and a reduced reliance on the grid. In 2014, solar thermal panels, along with a state of the art heating system was installed at the boarding house, making use of the sun’s energy to heat the water in 4 large tanks where through a coiled piping system is used to heat the water.

• Rainwater harvesting at both hostels: We have implemented rainwater harvesting systems at both hostels to utilise this precious resource for various purposes.
• Recycling at hostel and both schools: Recycling programs have been introduced at both the hostels and the schools to reduce waste and promote responsible waste management.
• Conversion to LED lighting throughout the High School building: SACS is committed to energy-efficient lighting by converting to LED technology throughout the school premises.

SACS believes that part of our duty is to educate our learners, parents, and the broader community about the necessity and benefits of green energy sources. To make this vision a reality, we plan to invest 20% of our energy cost savings into various educational initiatives. These funds will be used for guest speakers, environmental content for learners, the purchase of books promoting green living, and marketing initiatives that engage the SACS community in the benefits of green energy sources.

Our proactive stance is already yielding fruit, visible in the inspired efforts of the Grade 7 Class of ’23 at SACS Junior. These young minds are determined to leave an enduring mark, not only in the school halls but in the very soil of our school. As the inaugural Grade N class sets foot on their educational journey in 2024, the Grade 7 students aspire to sow the seeds of sustainability by planting 105 spekboom in the Grade N garden. Beyond a simple act of planting, it’s a lesson in nurturing, a tangible pledge to care for our planet. The Grade 7s are not just gifting a plant; they’re fostering the ethos of environmental stewardship in the hearts and minds of the leaders of tomorrow.

The SACS Green Initiative embodies our commitment to a sustainable, eco-friendly future. Through solar arrays, battery backups, and energy-efficient practices, we have demonstrated our dedication to reducing our environmental impact and saving on electricity costs. This holistic approach not only benefits the school but also serves as a model for the wider community. SACS remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its green initiatives, driving environmental awareness, and encouraging others to embrace renewable energy sources.

Join us on our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future, one powered by the sun and built upon the foundation of responsible environmental stewardship. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and instill a sense of responsibility for generations to come.

At SACS, our future is green, and the possibilities are endless.