Elkanah House leads by example

An independent school situated in Blouberg, Elkanah House is committed to embracing the principles of sustainable development and has adopted an Environmental Policy to guide these endeavors. Such a commitment includes buildings that reduce any adverse environmental impacts whilst contributing to a productive and healthy environment for work, studies and leisure. Care has been taken to select the most sustainable materials available that meet a range of sustainability criteria, such as renewable sources, recycled content, low embodied energy, non-toxic, and reducing pollution in manufacture.

All new development incorporates measures to promote water and energy efficiency and we avoid the unnecessary use of hazardous materials and take all reasonable steps to prevent damage to either public or ecosystem health where such materials are used. Passive design contributes to the optimum use of natural light to save energy. Elements such as solar heating panels and energy saving light fittings also support energy conservation. To conserve water, waterless urinals and water-saving tap fittings are installed.

By promoting sound environmental management practices such as resource conservation and waste minimisation the school also aims to increase awareness of environmental issues amongst staff and learners.

A generation to share our eco passion

Pupils of Elkanah House are directly involved in all our efforts to protect the environment, and with growing interest it has become part of our everyday life at the school.

We recognize that we are dependent on our planet for all our natural resources and that responsibility for this starts at home. The landscaping at Elkanah House is water-wise and reflects our beautiful unique indigenous flora, while our herb and vegetable gardens teach the pupils a love for and use of plants. Our indigenous, wild gardens promote education regarding the sustainability of the natural environment and they attract abundant birdlife.

Pupils are involved in preparing displays on alien invasive plants and animals to exhibit in the centres around Blouberg. They man the stand, explaining alien vegetation to passing shoppers encouraging them to get rid of the alien species.

Recycling collection a permanent fixture

Elkanah House has implemented a waste management programme, with a dedicated waste recycling centre. In less than a year Elkanah House has collected a staggering 163 060kg of recycled materials. The community surrounding the school has become involved and the initiative continues to expand. Recycling collection days have become a permanent fixture on the school calendar and several competitions and events have been launched to involve more pupils, staff members and parents.

Elkanah House has an ongoing environmental awareness campaign which runs throughout the year, and it is usually in conjunction with global awareness campaigns. A few examples involvement in the local community, national and international campaigns, are World Water Day, World Environment Day, beach clean ups, Waste-free Lunch Week, National Electricity Safety Week, Spring Day and Arbor day.

Global warming, pollution of rivers and the seas and the mass destruction of rain forests are some of the serious challenges our children will have to face. With this in mind, our ideal would be to see all Elkanah House leavers participate in sustainable and environmentally-responsible activities.