New Hampton School Students Team With PAREI to Install Third Solar Water Heater

NEW HAMPTON — New Hampton School is proud to continue to lead the way in renewable energy by installing its third solar hot water system today at 9 a.m. As the world oil supply dwindles, the School is planning for its energy future by committing to a clean, safe, and secure energy source for one of its biggest energy loads: hot water.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this ongoing sustainability effort is that much of the work is done by students. It's a true "boots on the roof" experience, because it is run as an"Energy Raiser" (much like a 'barn raising') by Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI).

The relationship between New Hampton School and PAREI began on Earth Day 2010, when science faculty Rebekka Joslin's Projects in Sustainability class worked with to install a 60-tube Apricus system on half of Veazey dorm. In 2011, the School put a 30-tube system on Smith House, which includes the Headmaster's house and the Alumni Hall reception area.

This year, the School and PAREI will team up to put another system on the other half of Veazey dorm in early May. Even on partially sunny days, the sun will be pre-heating about 100 gallons of water, which a standard electric water heater will then heat, if needed, before sending it to the dorm.

The students involved in this year's project are Joseph Scarfo, Tyler Steen, Ava Donovan, Eric Hanover, Katie Koenig, Brookes Vrana, Michael Hutchinson, Nicole Magee, Troy Jones, and Cara Emerson.

"This is truly an experiential learning opportunity for these students," said Mrs. Joslin. "The class is looking forward to this experience which will leave a lasting impact on New Hampton School and on their individual lives.

Founded in 1821, New Hampton School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school of 305 students who come from over 30 states and 19 countries. NHS cultivates lifelong learners who will serve as active global citizens. Students benefit from an average class size of eleven and a student-faculty ratio of five to one. For more information, visit www.newhampton.org.