Evolving within their
mission statement the
Sisters of Divine Provi-
dence agreed in 2006 to
“...educate ourselves
about ecological econo-
mics, i.e., the impact of
our living on all creation.
We commit ourselves
both personally and
communally to seek and
implement creative ways
to enhance the sustain-
ability of the planet.”

Since then the Sisters have implemented countless changes in their operating methods, many of which have positively affected the Sacred Heart High School in Kingston MA, operated by the Sisters. From minor to major a few of their more notable changes include:

Installation of solar panels on the roof of Sacred Heart High School's Student Activity Center. Forty panels have been installed on the building’s roof and as a result of Sacred Heart High School's investment in the solar panel project the school received a grant from the Renewable Energy Trust. The Renewable Energy Trust is administered by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Commonwealth Solar Plan.  Energy generated by the solar panels provides the electrical resources for the Sacred Heart Student Activity Center which houses the Flaherty Gymnasium, Hokanson Arts Center, student lounge and athletic offices.

Lighting replacements occurred in the Flaherty and Lower Gymnasiums and in the campus' outside lighting with energy efficient fixtures and bulbs.

Renovations and modifications at the school auditorium begin in May and include a multitude of green components. The staff members of Habeeb & Associates Architects have worked closely with Sacred Heart in designing a facility that will meet the many needs of the school community. Renovation plans include new theatrical, sound and lighting systems, energy efficient house lighting, the addition of a stage extension, and a reconfigured floor plan and balcony renovations to total a new seating capacity of 720. Additional improvements include the installation of energy efficient windows, fire alarm system upgrades, a new HVAC system equipped with energy recover wheels and a CO2 sensor control system, a certified sustainable flooring system, and recyclable carpet manufactured via a process that incorporates other recycled materials.

Maintenance and housekeeping staffs are currently in the process of transitioning into the use of environmentally-friendly cleaning agents.

GREAN (Globally Responsible Environmentally Aware Network) implemented and manages a campus-wide paper and cardboard, bottle, can and ink cartridge recycling effort. Spearheaded by the student environmental organization, which began over 20 years ago and is currently under the guidance of club moderator Sr. Ida Mary Lutz, C.D.P. In addition, this group leads the annual Plymouth Long Beach “Coastsweeps” Beach Clean-up each fall.


The Sisters of Divine Providence also produce a monthly Go Green Newsletter and maintain an Ecology and Environment page on their website. To learn more visit: Go Green.