Virginia Tech
IN-4: Innovation 4

Green Office Certification Program

Launching October 9, 2014, the Green Office Certification Program gives faculty, staff, and graduate students the tools they need to create a greener working space on campus. A pilot program occurred Summer 2014.

Office spaces contribute greatly to the energy used and waste generated on the Virginia Tech campus. Departments get points for taking sustainable actions in their personal and shared office spaces, and then get recognized for their efforts. The program aims to encourage folks to work together with their co-workers to shrink the carbon footprint of their departments!

The scoring mechanism is modeled after STARS or LEED, wherein several criteria in different categories are listed for offices to pursue. As offices put into place these criteria (or indicate that they already have), they earn points. When the office submits their certification form, they receive a score and a designation of either bronze, silver, gold, or platinum. Offices then receive a certificate. This innovative program advances sustainability on campus and it gives each unit that does well bragging rights with their colleagues. Experience demonstrates friendly competition is one of the best vehicles to help foster behavioral change.

Anyone who has an office on campus is allowed to participate. Generally, groups of individuals who share common spaces (like kitchens, break rooms, mail rooms, or printing rooms) are considered an “office.” Faculty and Staff are also able to organize as a whole department or a sub-group in a department. Graduate students are encouraged to participate as a lab or research group as well.