Students happily learn about ecology while working with the vegetable garden growing on campus.

Sustainability

Building a Resilient Future, Rooted in Responsibility

IN THIS SECTION

Sustainability at Saint Francis

Sustainability at Saint Francis High School is both a responsibility and a commitment, and is rooted in care for our community, stewardship of God’s creation and preparation of students for leadership in a changing world. 

OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized

As a 2025 California Green Ribbon School (CA-GRS) Green Achiever, one of only five schools in the state to receive this distinction, Saint Francis is recognized for its comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility, student wellness and meaningful environmental education.

Our Framework for Sustainability

Our framework for sustainability is guided by resiliency planning and organized around three interconnected pillars. Together, these pillars ensure that our campus reduces its environmental impact, supports the health and safety of every student and educator, and empowers students with the knowledge and skills to engage thoughtfully with real-world environmental challenges. 

This work reflects our belief that sustainability is not a single initiative, but an ongoing practice; one that strengthens our campus today while shaping a more just, healthy and sustainable future.

 

Pillar I: Reduced Environmental Impact
Vision

Promote environmentally and economically sustainable projects that reduce the community’s impact, conserve valuable resources and reduce costs.

What We Are Doing
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Sustainable Transportation Program
  • Carpool directory and location heatmap
  • Train station shuttle
  • Bike racks
  • EV charging stations
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Building and Grounds Energy, Water Conservation
  • Drought tolerant landscaping
  • Bioswales and drip irrigation
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures
  • Greenhouse Gas Audit
  • Solar panels supplying 51% of energy needs
  • Energy efficient HVAC systems
  • Heat-reflective roofs
  • LEED Silver-certified building construction
  • Auto-dimming LED lighting
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Efficient Consumption, Purchasing & Waste Processing
  • Reusable plates, bowls and cutlery with the elimination of single-use plastics
  • Mixed recycling, aluminum bag recycling, compost bins and trash sorting
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Protecting our Environment
  • Built protective decking around our Heritage Bay Tree
    • The decision to build a deck around the Bay Tree was made to protect the roots of this Heritage tree from damage to aid its continued growth
    • Largest intact California Bay Laurel in the state
    • Trunk circumference of 421” (35.08’)
      • A Heritage tree is any tree with a circumference of 48”+
    • 200-300 years old
    • 85 feet tall and still growing
    • 119 foot crown
  • Modified the Welcome Center’s architectural design to preserve a Deodar Cedar heritage tree by curving the building’s footprint around the tree to ensure its protection.
  • Gave new life to a diseased Deodar Cedar by milling the tree and repurposing its wood to use as decorative panels behind images of Brothers of Holy Cross who served at Saint Francis. These panels are on display in the Welcome Center in front of the Educator Dining Center.
Pillar II: Health, Wellness & Safety
Vision

Ensure and promote access to a healthy and safe learning environment for all members of the community.

What We Are Doing
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Environmental Health
  • Artificial turf and bioswales reduces pesticide use and water waste
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Indoor Air Quality
  • Upgrading air filters and ventilation systems in buildings across campus to higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV-13) for superior air quality
  • Noise-reduction features and modern lab safety protocols that contribute to a healthier environment
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Nutrition, Health & Fitness
  • Health and Fitness course
  • Nutrition education for athletes
  • Healthy meal options in the dining commons
  • SF Fit- Educator Wellness program
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
SEL, Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Advisory Program
  • Student Affinity Groups
  • Retreats
  • SF Thrive (SEL) Program
  • Student wellness center
  • Student Clubs & Activities:
    • Health & Wellness Club
    • Mind-Body-Spirit Club
    • Bring Change to Mind Club
    • Future Medical Student Association
    • Sports Medicine Club
Pillar III: Effective Environmental & Sustainability Education
Vision

Recognize our shared responsibility as stewards of God’s creation and empower students to learn about real world issues, propose solutions and engage in civic action through STEM and interdisciplinary opportunities.

What We Are Doing
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Interdisciplinary Learning & STEM Content
  • Science Department Sustainability & Social Justice Outcomes
  • School-wide Earth Week programming
  • Environmental Science Courses 
  • AP Environmental Science
  • Cross-curricular sustainability themes in subjects like Economics and Religious Studies
  • Environmental Knowledge, Skills and Literacy
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Environmental Club & Ocean Club
  • Climate Change and Sustainability Learning Outcomes
  • Participation in California Coastal Cleanup Day
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Spiritual Ecology Course
  • Civic Knowledge, Skills, Engagement & Action
OptimizedImage,sustainability,,Optimized
Immersion Program 
  • Global and local service opportunities

OptimizedImage,Optimized

“Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.”

Saint Francis of Assisi

Foundation: Holy Cross Mission

At Saint Francis, our vision is to shape students into Holy Cross men and women who are uniquely prepared for college, service, and leadership. These individuals are grounded in integrity, discover their God-given talents, respect the dignity of every person, celebrate family, and bring hope to others.

Rooted in the Holy Cross Charism and inspired by our patron, Saint Francis, we embrace sustainability, while fostering spiritual ecology and meaningful community relationships. Everything we do is deeply connected to our Holy Cross Mission, guiding our students to live with purpose and make a positive impact on the world.

How Can We Help?

We’re here to support your commute decisions and welcome your feedback as we continue to grow and strengthen our Sustainable Transportation Program. Whether you’re looking for more information about your options, want help navigating local transit, or have suggestions for how we can improve, we’d love to hear from you. Your voice helps us build a more inclusive and effective program for the entire Saint Francis community.

Please reach out to our team with any questions about curriculum alignment, student development, or how we support your child in becoming a person of faith, a motivated scholar, and an engaged global citizen.

Transportation Coordinator

Email