How to participate

Steps to become Green Office Certified

1. Define office space and elect a Green Office representative

An office is typically defined by physical location, where office equipment, common spaces, and purchasing resources and practices are shared. Large departments with multiple locations may be certified as separate offices.

Once a Green Office Liaison is selected, let us know and request a letter from our program that will alert your office or departmental leadership of their appointment. The letter will explain the liaison role and how leadership can best support the certification process (see form below).

2. Orient yourself and your office to the program

Download and review the Introduction to the Green Office Program presentation (PPT). Browse tips for launching a green office. You can also request a presentation from someone on the Green Office team to walk you through the checklist or offer a presentation (see form below).

3. Complete the Green Office Checklist

Download the Green Office Checklist (v3.0) and work with your office to complete the checklist. The Green Office Liaison may need to meet with several people in order to respond to the questions. A kick off meeting is encouraged to raise awareness about sustainable practices and prepare office members for participation. You can utilize a staff meeting to set goals as an office or identify opportunities from within the checklist that you may be able to implement before submissions. We have a recommended workplan here.

4. Survey Your Office Members

Portions of the checklist require a response that takes all your office members into consideration. To help facilitate collecting their responses, we provide a customized survey for these questions and a template to circulate the request. Once at least 75% of office members respond, our team will aggregated responses into the checklist during our review process. Plan to encourage participation at multiple occasions and formats (staff meeting, emails, direct reminders, etc.) to ensure you can get to 75%. Keep in mind, you get bonus points if your team responds at 90% or above! Send a request for a customized survey to get started (see form below).

5. Certification Process Support

The Office of Sustainability is available to support your certification process, by providing an initial or supplementary presentation, making recommendations and facilitating goal setting.

6. Checklist Submission

Send your checklist to sustainability@wustl.edu. The Office of Sustainability will review your completed checklist and confirm your office’s certification level. The deadline for calendar year 2024 submissions is March 3, 2025.

7. Re-certification

We request annual certifications to maintain engagement and certification status. Send your checklist to sustainability@wustl.edu. The Office of Sustainability will review your completed checklist and confirm your office’s certification level. The deadline for calendar year 2024 submissions is March 3, 2025. Certification lapses after 2 years.

Remote Offices

If your office is largely remote, we suggest that you promote our Tips for a Green Home Office – to your team. The Green Office Program may not be the most effective tool for you at this time.

If you are planning a transition from remote to physical office space, or setting up an office space for the first time, refer to this guide for considerations to inform your process.

You are welcome to contact us with questions.

Green Office Contact Form

How can we help you? *

Great! Please enter your contact information below, and someone will be in touch with you shortly. We will also send out a letter to your office/departmental supervisor to let them know about your appointment and how they can best support the certification process.

First Name *

Last Name *

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Office Name

Office/Departmental Leadership (Name)

Is it ok if we reach out to your office/department leader to inform them of your appointment as a Green Office Liaison?

Yes

I’d like more information before responding

Please enter your contact information below, and someone will be in touch with you shortly. In the meantime, please review the information provided on the Green Office Program under “Participate”.

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Phone

Office Name

Please enter your contact information below, and someone will be in touch with you shortly to schedule a consultation.

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Email *

Phone *

Office Name *

Please fill out the fields below and we will send you a customized survey for your office shortly.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

How many people are in your office?

Is everyone in your office able to fill out a Google Form? (Some locations may have restricted access due to heightened IT security measures. In this case, a different survey tool is required.)

Yes

Office Name *

First Name *

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Email *

Phone *

Office Name *

The Green Office Team is here to provide guidance and support to your office in your sustainability efforts. Use this form to contact us with any questions, concerns, or comments.

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