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

kak612@lehigh.edu(610) 758-3692

Laura Dobroski

Sustainable Office Assistant

lgd215@lehigh.edu

http://sustainability.lehigh.edu/sustainableoffice