On July 12, the Office of Sustainability hosted a Green Office Program luncheon for Green Office Liaisons and potential program participants. The goal of the Green Office Program is to set a framework and provide resources for offices across Washington University campuses to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of our university community.
Since the start of the program, 81 offices have been certified, of which 73 offices are currently certified across WashU’s campuses. The goal of reaching 100 certified Green Offices by the end of 2017 was established in the University’s Strategic Plan for Sustainable Operations. The Office of Sustainability anticipates meeting or exceeding this goal by the deadline.
Over sandwiches, chips, and salad, the attendees had the opportunity to network by sharing challenges they may have faced on their journeys to create greener offices, but also the best practices they learned to make a more sustainable environment. One way the Office of Sustainability encouraged and stimulated conversations among offices was through a game of trivia. The questions pertained to the “Top 15 Ways to Green Your Office” campaign. When someone answered a question correctly, he or she received a free Office of Sustainability shirt!
During the luncheon, offices that recently certified or re-certified before the May deadline were recognized and earned their 2017 tiles. The Jewish, Islamic & Near Eastern Languages and Cultures Office was awarded the Spring semester incentive prize of a lunch provided by the Office of Sustainability. There will be two more opportunities for offices to win a catered celebration for their Green Office team if they certify or re-certify by the August 4 or November 10 deadlines. Additionally, all offices achieving Gold or Platinum certifications during 2017 are eligible to win an office bike or catered meal for their team.
The Office of Sustainability unveiled a new “Less is More” toolkit for offices containing signage and stickers, like friendly reminders to turn off the lights or be conservative with printing documents. Any office can request a customized toolkit through our online request form.
To learn more about the Green Office Program, visit our the green office webpage.