CA Student Drives Smart Outlet Sustainability Initiative
Xander Grossman ’26 is helping Concord Academy realize its mission of promoting a more just and sustainable future by adding smart outlets across the school’s campus. His idea resulted from a call for proposals from the Green Revolving Fund, which provides start-up investment in student-driven projects and experimental initiatives that project meaningful real-world impact.
“I am excited to be able to help shape the future of sustainability at CA,” Xander says.
Smart outlets, he explains, function much like conventional wall outlets but with the added capability of remote control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which enables them to be turned off when not in use. Xander collaborated closely with Mick McSorley P’27, director of operations, and Josh Dechane, general maintenance technician, to gather data to support his project proposal.
Xander and the operations team tested numerous window air conditioning units to gauge their energy usage—a major source of energy consumption at CA during hot months. He combined this data with the cost of electricity at CA, data McSorley provided to lay the foundation for the project.
Additionally, science teacher and Environmental Sustainability and Justice Coordinator Chris Labosier and Xander’s peer Environmental Representatives Laila Mooraj ’24, William Kim ’24, and Zack Miller ’24 provided valuable support for this Green Revolving Fund application.
Thrilled by his success in securing an initial investment through the Green Revolving Fund, Xander selected Leviton outlets for a pilot program, because they offer centralized data collection and timed control. CA will conduct the pilot program in the early spring in the Main School building, the Math and Arts Center, Aloian House, and Belknap House. The installation of this new technology will enable accurate cost analysis for potential project expansion, with an intention of reinvesting cost savings back into the fund.
Xander says CA’s philosophy of common trust was pivotal to the proposal’s success: “The level of personal responsibility we as students are entrusted with has propelled the project forward.” Conserving energy is just one facet of Xander’s interest in sustainability; he is eager to explore this field at the nexus of several industries, from business to technology. He plans to further his knowledge of green project development by immersing himself in the work of Renew Energy Partners in Boston, Mass. this summer.
By implementing a pragmatic solution to reduce energy consumption on campus, the smart outlet sustainability project embodies CA’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The generosity of CA alums, which has empowered current students to propose such projects, also represents a multigenerational investment in CA’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
