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 program Designed 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+ offices140+ offices40+ offices1200+ offices Built on Successful Programs *30+ colleges & universities have a version of this program

Program Goals Reduce impact of office operations Increase employee involvement in sustainability efforts Recognize and reward leadership in sustainability Conserve resources and money Support Climate Commitment and Sustainability Plan goals

Why Get Involved? Adopt sustainable office practices Easy program with guidance and resources Fun and competitive Incentives: Stickers/plaque to recognize your commitment Recognition 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 Items60 Action Items 90 Action Items120 Action Items

9 Areas of Focus 1.Participation & Engagement 2.Climate & Energy 3.Food & Dining 4.Purchasing 5.Community Building & Social Equity 6.Transportation 7.Waste 8.Water 9.Events & Meetings

Sample ActionsActions Our thermostats are set to 75-78° (summer) and 69-72° (winter) (Climate & Energy) Tool: Energy Policy We 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 Steps Define 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 Representative Fill out registration form Optional: A Sustainable Office team member may further discuss the program with your office Complete the baseline survey Download 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 (610) Laura Dobroski Sustainable Office Assistant