Testimonials

Program Manager, Environmental Finance Center - ARCH

"Applying for UMD Green Office certification had been on our radar for awhile, and we finally made the commitment this year. The process was straightforward and the staff were very helpful throughout. We were also fortunate to have UMD senior Sam Niehaus volunteer to assist us with the application and walk us through the self-assessment process. Our staff are excited to be part of UMD's sustainability efforts, and are now even more conscious about making operations and procurement decisions through a sustainability lens."

Green Office Representative, Cambridge and Ellicott Community Offices

"Since 2014 I’ve had the honor and the privilege of becoming an active member of our Green Office Program on campus as one of the Green Office Reps (Go Reps)! Our Cambridge Community Office and Ellicott Community Office have come a long way: Both our Community Offices went from “worst to FIRST” thanks to the contagious enthusiasm of the Green Office leadership, staff members and student interns! Recycling used to be a foreign word to me, but now it is a way of life at work and at home with my family! Drinking my coffee out of the same traveler’s coffee mug is my daily habit. Using the blue recycling bins is now a must and is second nature.

The best leaders and teachers of our society lead through example! This is the winning attitude of our Green Office Program on campus! The patience and positive attitude of each Green Office Program member influenced me to learn more and more about the positive attributes of sustainable living! Each year when we re-certified our Cambridge and Ellicott offices the Green Office staff member who worked with me gave me kindness, extra time, warmth and understanding. Each person of Green Office treats me as a special individual with special needs! One can’t help but enjoy being an important part of such a successful venture not only for our University of Maryland Campus environment but for the World at large."

Thank you, Green Office Program! Go Green Terps!

Associate Director, Honors Humanities

"We often say that sustainability is a HoHum community value. Honors Humanities is so proud to partner with the Green Office to achieve our Green Office Certification. In our lifetimes, we will live through many environmental humanitarian crises as well as far-reaching environmental transformation. As humans come to dominate most aspects of planetary life, we believe as a program that humanities perspectives can both help us interpret our changing world and they can offer solutions. Throughout the year, we host service and sustainability events, and in one of our core classes, we bring humanities perspectives to global issues like environmental justice. Being part of the Green Office program has been a great way for our faculty and staff to join our students in walking the walk, as the saying goes, of sustainability!"

Green Office Representative, Mail Services

"I am an employee with mail services here on campus as well as the G.O. Representative for this office. My manager, Sean Wynn, asked if I would like to participate in a Green Office program and not knowing exactly what I would be doing I happily accepted. I was super nervous to take on the role as the GO Rep, but after a few emails back and forth with the office of sustainability, I soon realized this was something I could come to love.

So far my experience with the office and program overall have been life changing. I have learned so much, how small changes as a group can help heal our Earth in a much larger way. Just as the reverse is true as well. All the small damaging things we do to our beautiful planet can have detrimental effects for generations to come.

Our office has achieved Bronze level certification and we are actively making changes to reach Silver status. Most of my peers have adapted to the lifestyle changes we have made in our office, including properly using our recycle bins, switching off lights, electronics, etc. when not in active use, and using LED bulbs/natural lighting resources.

We look forward to continuing our transition to a sustainable work environment, and appreciate all the support and knowledge passed through the office of sustainability."

Assistant Director, Facilities

"Sustainability is at the forefront of the STAMP Facilities team. Made up of Housekeeping, Maintenance and a Loading Dock Manager - The Facilities team thinks sustainably on a daily basis. It is our mission.

Maintenance is continuously converting fluorescent lights to LEDs. As water fountains become in need of repair, we are taking the opportunity to convert to water refilling stations. Housekeeping, especially in the food court, recycles, composts and sorts daily and we have our food court trash/recycling/composting audited yearly and work with sustainability groups for education.

We have recycling and trash bins in all usable spaces and composting opportunities in the food court as well as all kitchens. Stamp Facilities has graduated to Platinum Status!"