sustainable office program: introduction. what is sustainability? sustainability at lehigh
TRANSCRIPT
Sustainable Office Program:
Introduction
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability at Lehigh
What is the Sustainable Office Program?
NEW program designed to recognize sustainable offices and celebrate sustainability champions Self-guided, do-it-yourself, & voluntary programDesigned to empower employees who want to take the lead on promoting sustainable workplace practices
Harvard University
University of Maryland
University of Washington
Boston University
175+ offices 140+ offices 40+ offices 1200+ offices
Built on Successful Programs
*30+ colleges & universities have a version of this program
Program Goals
Reduce impact of office operationsIncrease employee involvement in sustainability efforts Recognize and reward leadership in sustainabilityConserve resources and money Support Climate Commitment and Sustainability Plan goals
Why Get Involved?
Adopt sustainable office practices Easy program with guidance and resourcesFun and competitive Incentives:
Stickers/plaque to recognize your commitmentRecognition on the Office of Sustainability website Use of Sustainable Office logo Networking opportunities for Office Representatives
Is This Right for Our Office?
• Do you have support of your coworkers and your director/department head/dean?
• What does participation mean for our office?
• Why is taking action important for our office?
• What are some of the challenges we may face while pursuing this program?
Lehigh’s Sustainable Office Program
30 Action Items 60 Action Items
90 Action Items 120 Action Items
9 Areas of Focus1. Participation & Engagement2. Climate & Energy3. Food & Dining4. Purchasing5. Community Building & Social Equity6. Transportation7. Waste8. Water9. Events & Meetings
Sample Actions
Our thermostats are set to 75-78° (summer) and 69-72° (winter) (Climate & Energy)
Tool: Energy PolicyWe only purchase paper products that are FSC, SFI, or Green Seal certified. (Purchasing)We conducted a waste audit and shared results with staff (Waste)We hold e-meetings whenever possible (Events & Meetings)
Next StepsDefine your ‘office’: a work area that shares common areas and resources. It may include one or all of the offices within a unit or department. Identify a Sustainable Office RepresentativeFill out registration formOptional: A Sustainable Office team member may further discuss the program with your officeComplete the baseline surveyDownload the checklist and complete as many action items as you can. Certification is based on number of actions completed:
Bronze: 30; Silver: 60; Gold: 90; Platinum: 120
You may repeat the process for a higher level of certification.
Questions?
Katie Klaniecki
Sustainability Program Coordinator
[email protected](610) 758-3692
Laura Dobroski
Sustainable Office Assistant
http://sustainability.lehigh.edu/sustainableoffice