Sustainability at Kingswood
Help us unlock a new era of energy autonomy for Kingswood, and secure a more sustainable future for the College, our community, and our world.
As we celebrate 130 years of history in 2024, we must also look forward and plan for the future of Kingswood as a leading school in Africa. Sustainable energy and water management are critical components of our Estate and Buildings strategy, focusing on the responsible access and usage of both resources.
Our overarching goal is embodied in our Education for Life vision, which aims to equip our pupils with the skills, understanding, and global awareness to make positive contributions in a rapidly changing world. Sustainable thinking is at the heart of this mission, and it’s time for Kingswood to lead by example. By integrating sustainable practices across our operations, we aim to preserve our environment and secure the well-being of generations to come.
Our Vision for Energy and Water Autonomy
We invite you to join us in unlocking a new era of energy and water autonomy for Kingswood College. Your support will help us transition to a more sustainable future, not just for our school but for our community and the world. This initiative is about ensuring the long-term resilience of our campus through energy efficiency, renewable generation, and water sustainability.
The journey began with the launch of our solar project, which will see 730 solar panels installed on campus in 2024. This first phase aims to reduce our dependence on the national grid by 70%, significantly cutting down on electricity costs and minimizing our carbon footprint. However, this is just the beginning.
The Broader Challenge
In recent years, Kingswood has faced increasing vulnerability due to electricity and water shortages that have become commonplace across South Africa. To mitigate this, we have made significant strides, including installing two generators (a 250kVA and a 100kVA) to ensure critical services remain uninterrupted. However, this comes at a considerable cost. In 2023 alone, the expense for diesel to power these generators reached R700,000, in addition to our already high electricity costs.
Despite efforts such as retrofitting LED lighting, implementing electrical load management, and expanding water storage, much more needs to be done. We are committed to further initiatives that will enhance our sustainability, including water-saving technologies, additional renewable energy sources, and infrastructure improvements.
How You Can Make a Difference
The scope of our sustainability efforts is significant, and we need your help to make it a reality. We invite our Kingswood community to partner with us in this journey. Whether by funding a solar panel, supporting water-saving projects, or contributing to our broader sustainability initiatives, your donation will have a lasting impact.
Join us in creating a greener, more resilient future for Kingswood College. Together, we can secure a sustainable legacy for our pupils, our community, and the world.
International Giving:
Donations may be made in the United States of America through the Rhodes University Trust USA or the United Kingdom using the National Philanthropic Trust to qualify for tax deductibility in these regions.
Please contact the Foundation office for further details.