As part of the school’s mission, Kents Hill teaches its students to be “responsible stewards of our natural heritage.” The school has an active Environmental Studies department, teaching courses in resource use, environmental literature, conservation biology and lake ecology. It is one of the only prep schools in New England to mandate an environmental studies course as a graduation requirement. “The use of biofuel at KHS clearly puts the school’s mission into action in a time where environmental issues, particularly the search for and use of alternatives to fossil fuels, are paramount. I am very pleased that Kents Hill School has the foresight and capability to model and develop ways to lessen our impact on nature,” said Matthew Moore, Chairman of the Environmental Studies Department.

Plant and Facilities Manager, Brian Marston, commented on the potential environmental impact and savings for the school, saying “The three things a Facilities Manager monitors are energy efficiency, air quality, and equipment operation. When something comes along that positively affects all three areas, it is very exciting. Alternative fuels present such possibilities. Obviously transitioning the number of different buildings that we have will take careful planning, but the potential savings to the school and the environment present fascinating possibilities. The test site this winter will be interesting to watch."

Initially the school will purchase biofuel from Green Bean Bio-Fuel, a company that supplies its customers with biodiesel fuel made from yellow grease – refined waste oil from restaurants. Green Bean Bio-Fuel is the first commercial producer in Maine and the first active, certified biodiesel producer in all of New England.