Sustainable Office Program: Introduction. What is Sustainability?

Sustainable Office Program:

Introduction

What is Sustainability?

What is the Sustainable Office Program?

A self-guided, do-it-yourself, voluntary programFour-tiered program designed to recognize sustainable offices and celebrate sustainability champions Led by 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

Lehigh’s Sustainable Office Program

30 Action Items 60 Action Items

90 Action Items 120 Action Items

9 Areas of Focus

1. Participation & Engagement2. Climate & Energy3. Food & Dining4. Purchasing5. Community Building & Social Equity6. Transportation7. Waste8. Water9. Events & Meetings

Sample Actions

All electronics are turned off or unplugged at night and when not in useOur computer monitors go into sleep mode after 5-20 minutes of inactivity, computers after 30-60 minutesWe turn off lights in unoccupied common areas Our thermostats are set to 75-78° (summer) and 69-72° (winter)

Tool: Energy Policy

Program Structure

Fill out the registration formComplete the baseline surveyDownload the checklist and complete as many action items as you can. Certification is based on number of actions completed:

Bronze: 30Silver: 60Gold: 90Platinum: 120

You may repeat the process for a higher level of certification.

Why Get Involved?

Adopt sustainable practices in alignment with Sustainability Plan Guided approach with resources provided Fun, competitive way to celebrate accomplishments

To Begin Program:

1. Define your ‘office’An office is a work area that shares common areas and resources. It may include just one or all of the offices within a unit or department.

2. Discuss Sustainable Office Program at a staff meeting

3. Identify a Sustainable Office Representative

4. Register your office5. Meet with an

Sustainable Office team member

Questions?

Nicholas Gans

Sustainable Office Assistant

sustainability@lehigh.edu

http://sustainability.lehigh.edu/sustainableoffice