Bronze Checklist
Choose at least 75% of the actions (24 items) from the checklist to implement.
SUSTAINABLE CULTURE
Sign the Green Office Participation Pledge.
Complete Green Office Pre-Audit.
Include sustainability topics as a regular agenda item at staff meetings.
Website includes Sustainability and Green Office.
Reward and recognize sustainability efforts.
Participate in the Adopt-a-Garden Program on campus.
ECO EVENTS
Host sustainability special events (potlucks, films, lunch and learns, etc.).
Use reusable mugs/cups including at office meetings and events.
Paper-free meetings.
CONSERVE ENERGY
Turn out lights use task lighting in place of overhead lights.
Use human power instead of electric power.
Use sleep/hibernate settings
Share appliances and equipment
Unplug standby electronics.
Turn off computers/monitors every night.
Complete energy “power down” before holidays and breaks.
Ensure windows are tightly closed.
Refrain from using space heaters.
REDUCE WASTE
Set up an office supply sharing/re-use area.
Use inter-departmental envelopes for mailing on campus.
Practice single-stream recycling and have instructions posted near all recycling bins.
Cancel subscriptions to junk mail.
Automatically print double-sided.
Collect single-sided copy and print paper.
Collect and recycle batteries.
Order mini-bins to minimize waste Participate in (“Can the Can”).
Arrange for Terrapin Trader to pick up surplus office equipment.
Recycle used toner and ink cartridges.
DINE GREEN
Report leaks to Facilities Management.
Pack or purchase waste-free lunches.
COMMUTE SMART
Carpool, take the shuttle, bike, or walk to on-campus meetings.
Calculate commuting emissions, track changes, and share the results.
SUSTAINABLE CULTURE
Our office signed the Green Office Participation Pledge
Bring the GO Participation Pledge at a staff meeting. They should already know the actions your team has chosen. After it's signed, hang the pledge on a central bulletin board as a reminder of your commitment.
Signing a commitment increased curbside recycling in Salt Lake City more than receiving a flyer, a telephone call or personal contact alone.
We completed our Green Office Pre-Consultation.
Complete your Green Office Pre-Consultation on your own or with the help of the Office of Sustainability staff. This simple, short audit will help you track change over time and show your co-workers some of the impacts of their Green Office actions.
The consultation will allow your office to track its progress towards the actions you have selected. Aggregated results can be used for evaluating and improving the Green Office program and other sustainability initiatives at the campus level. The Green Office Pre- and Post-Consultations can show our progress towards strategies in the University's Climate Action Plan.
We include sustainability topics as a regular agenda item at staff meetings.
Discuss Green Office checklist actions at meetings. Recognize sustainability champions in your office. Check out the "What you can do" section of www.sustainability.umd.edu for topic ideas. Invite staff from the Office of Sustainability to be a guest speaker at your next staff meeting.
Discussing sustainability at staff meetings is a great way to engage and excite employees and keep sustainability topics top of mind. Fellow employees are also a great source of new ideas, leadership, and inspiration.
Our workplace website includes a link to the Office of Sustainability and information about our progress towards becoming Green Office certified.
Write a paragraph, or use our draft text, and share your progress towards becoming Green Office Certified. Write about the actions you are taking and how your office is achieving them. Link your page to the Green Office Website at www.greenoffice.umd.edu and the Office of Sustainability website at www.sustainability.umd.edu.
Including information on your website about your Green Office progress is a simple way to let others know about the hard work you are contributing to conserve. This may encourage other offices to get Green Office certified too. Including a link to the Sustainability website also provides a way for people to learn about all of the sustainability initiatives around campus.
We reward and recognize sustainability efforts, including the Green Office Program.
Look around your office. You will probably see someone making an extra effort to be more sustainable. Be sure to say thanks. Contact the Green Office program for free thank-you notes and tokens of appreciation.
Rewarding positive actions has been found to have many benefits such as increased individual productivity, greater employee satisfaction, less employee turnover, less absenteeism and stress, and enhanced teamwork.
Participate in the Adopt-a-Garden Program on Campus.
Arboretum horticulturists and staff will work with you to select a garden area that is meaningful to you and needs some extra TLC, then coordinate monthly volunteer events with your group. Volunteering should take place at least once per month with a total of at least five hours of volunteer time to meet the minimum requirement. This can take place during your lunch hour, or before or after work if you are staff or faculty but we also have Saturday availability as well.
Our entire UMD campus is a world-class arboretum and you can help cultivate native plants, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, edible landscaping, and more!
CONSERVE ENERGY
We turn out lights when we leave a room and we use task lighting in place of overhead lights.
When electronic equipment is shut off, remind yourself that the lights need to be shut off as well. Assign a specific person to shut down electronic equipment and lighting after meetings. Request Green Office switch plate stickers for your office. If available, use natural light from outside — it’s free!
IBM estimated that it was able to save $17.8 million in one year just by reminding employees to turn off lights and other equipment when not in use. Task lighting can increase productivity, improve personal viewing comfort, provide control over lighting levels and save energy.
When possible, we use human power instead of electric power.
Take the stairs instead of elevators. Manually open doors instead of using the automatic door opener. Be courteous and hold the door for others.
Taking the stairs can burn nine times as many calories as standing still. It can also strengthen muscles and improve circulation.
We use energy efficiency settings on our computers, monitors, printers and copy machines.
Your computer has built-in energy efficiency settings waiting to be utilized: use the sleep or hibernate settings on your electronics. Once you set your power management settings correctly, the computer will do the rest!
Screen savers do not save energy- some require twice as much energy as normal operation. Sleep/hibernate settings save 98% of the energy used. If every computer and monitor in the U.S. were turned off at night, 7 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions could be prevented every year and 8 large power stations could be shut down (According to EPA Energy Star).
We share appliances and equipment such as printers, scanners, copiers and refrigerators.
Combine food in a shared refrigerator (no mini-fridges). Consider installing a network printer to replace personal printers. Select printer(s) that have duplexing capabilities so you can easily print double-sided. When purchasing new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR qualified products.
Printers, scanners, and copiers consume energy even when they are in stand-by mode. The energy cost of just one office copier is about $110-$130 each year. Reduce the energy costs in your office by sharing large equipment. Many personal appliances brought into offices by employees can counteract energy saving efforts. For example, mini refrigerators are generally less energy efficient than the full-sized models.
We unplug standby electronics.
Standby electronics and appliances continue to consume after they are turned off, unless you unplug them. An easy way to turn off all your equipment at once is to plug it all into one surge protector with an on/off switch. If it has an indicator light, a remote, an external battery brick, or feel warm even when it's off- it's probably a culprit of wasting 'vampire power'.
Reducing Your Power Standby Loads
Vampire power energy waste consumes up to 10% of home or office electricity use (according to the Department of Energy)
When possible, we turn off our computers and monitors every night.
Turn off your computer and monitor before you leave the office. You can set your computer to automatically sleep/hibernate when inactive.
A Lawrence Berkeley Lab study found that one computer and monitor left on after business hours can cause up to a ton of carbon dioxide to be emitted per year. Eight large power stations could be shut down if every computer and monitor in the U.S. were turned off at night.
Our office completes an energy “power down” before holidays and breaks.
Before you leave for vacation, “power down” your office. Shut down your computer and monitor. Unplug your laptop, printers and other electronics. An easy way to turn off all your equipment at once is to plug it all into one surge protector with an on/off switch that you can flip off easily when you leave the office. Lower the window shades, turn off all lights, and lower the thermostat.
Power Down for Breaks reminders
The University of California, San Diego was able to reduce its energy costs by $210,000 over a 16 day holiday break by powering down most of its campus buildings.
We ensure that windows are tightly closed during heating and cooling season.
Close all windows before heating or cooling season. If you are unable to fully close them, contact Facilities Management to place a work order and report any maintenance requirements.
Office buildings waste 30% of the energy they consume (according to EPA Energy Star). Simple changes can save a lot of energy.
Our office refrains from using space heaters.
Dress in layers. If feeling cold while sitting, get up and walk around. This will warm up your body, provide a short break for your eyes, boost energy, and improve concentration. When the sun starts to go down, close your blinds or curtains to provide extra insulation from drafty windows and help keep the warm air in your office. If the temperature in your office is generally below 68° F, report the issue to Facilities Management.
The use of space heaters by occupants is prohibited unless authorized or provided by Facilities Management. Space heaters damage building electrical systems and pose a safety hazard. It is the goal of the University to maintain occupied buildings in the temperature range of 68° to 78° Fahrenheit year round. Within this temperature range, FM will balance occupant comfort and program/research needs with the University’s Climate Action Plan and energy conservation goals.
DINE GREEN
We report leaks and running taps to Facilities Management.
When you notice a leaking faucet or running toilet, place a work order with Facilities Management. You will not only save water, but also prevent damage to walls, cabinets, flooring and ceilings.
As much as 20 gallons of water can be wasted daily by each dripping faucet (according to the City of Portland’s Office of Sustainability).
We pack or purchase waste-free lunches.
Pack food/drink in reusable containers. Keep a set of reusable dishes and cutlery at your workplace. Eat in rather than take out, or bring reusable dishes and cutlery. Choose frozen/take-out meals in recyclable or compostable packaging. When grocery shopping, choose food items with minimal packaging (or the UMD Farmers Market). No fridge? Use ice packs in an insulated lunch bag.
A disposable lunch creates four to eight ounces of waste that can add up to as much as 100 pounds a year (from The Green Book by Rogers and Kostigen, 2007).
ECO EVENTS
We host sustainability special events (such as potlucks, films, lunch and learns).
Organize a local food potluck lunch. Screen a movie from the Office of Sustainability Environmental Film Library. Invite a guest speaker to your office and advertise through the Sustainability e-Newsletter. Volunteer together at the Community Learning Garden or with UMD Arboretum.
Special events are a great way for people to learn about the importance of sustainability and how they can reduce their impact. They also provide a way for employees to get to know each other better to improve teamwork and morale.
We use reusable mugs/cups including at office meetings and events.
Use up any remaining disposable mugs/cups you may have. Send out a reminder email before meetings, asking everyone to bring their own mug. If reusable mugs are not yet part of the culture in your office, try a prize draw at your next staff meeting — only those with reusable mugs can be entered to win.
The average office worker in the U.S. uses around 500 disposable cups every year, according to the Clean Air Council. The amount of paper and plastic cups, spoons, and forks thrown away every year by Americans is enough to circle the equator 300 times. Using reusable mugs and cups not only eliminates this waste from entering landfills, but also saves money.
We have made our meetings paper-free.
When attending a meeting: Ask in advance for documents to be emailed to you. Take notes electronically. If you would like a copy of the presentation, ask for a paper-free alternative.
When hosting a meeting: Post supporting documents in advance and communicate this to co-workers. Encourage attendees not to print these documents. Use audio visual equipment to display information. Inform others that supporting documents will be shared electronically at the meeting. Provide paper-free copies of PowerPoint presentations.
The City of Portland estimates that the average office uses 1.5 pounds of paper per person each day. Using an electronic copy instead of a printed copy also reduces the need for space to store paper files, and allows for electronic search capabilities that save time.
REDUCE WASTE
We have established an office supply sharing and re-use area for file folders, binders, pens, tape and more.
Designate a office supply sharing and re-use area specific area (shelf, cabinet, table top) in your office. Locate it near the existing location for new supplies so that people see both options. Label with the GO Office Supply Reuse poster. Email office members to encourage them to bring their surplus office supplies to the area, and check the area before ordering anything new.
Request Office Supply Reuse Sign
Reusing reduces your environmental impact more than recycling. This is why the old environmental mantra—“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”— emphasizes that you should consider ways to reuse an item before throwing it into the recycling or trash streams. Reusing office supplies saves money and reduces that amount of waste that the University generates.
We use interdepartmental envelopes for mailing on campus.
When sending almost anything on campus, a reusable, interdepartmental envelope can do the job, instead of a single-use envelope. Set up a centralized collection location for your interdepartmental envelopes so that everyone knows where to find one. Need some new ones? Walk over to the next office and see if they have an oversupply.
According to the EPA, the average office worker in the U.S. generates about two pounds of paper products every day. Interdepartmental envelopes can be used more than 50 times each, saving money and preventing waste.
We practice "mixed recycling" and we have recycling instructions posted near all recycling bins.
All buildings on campus have recycling bins to collect clean and dry paper/cardboard, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. No plastic bags, food/liquids, or glass can be placed in the recycling bins- check the website for more details on proper sorting for our campus and review these facts with your staff. Glass is being collected separately. Place a recycling bin beside every trash can. If you need extra recycling containers, contact recycle@umd.edu.
UMD has a goal to recycle or compost at least 75% of waste. In 2018 79.23% of all waste was diverted from a landfill by being composted or recycled. Individuals recycled or composted 49.45% of their waste total.
We cancel subscriptions to unwanted catalogs and junk mail.
Contact the company to have your name and address removed from their mailing list. For publications that you wish to keep receiving, ask for only one copy of each magazine or catalog per office instead of one per person. Sign up to stop receiving junk mail for free at www.catalog choice.org. Just enter the names of the catalogs you do not wish to receive.
According to Forest Ethics, junk mail’s contribution to climate change is the equivalent of more than nine million cars or 11 coal-fired power plants.
We print and copy on both sides of a page and our printers/computers are set for automatic double-sided printing.
Find the duplex(double sided) printers are in your workplace. Not all printers are capable of automatic duplex printing. Encourage your workplace to provide access for every employee at least one printer that is capable of duplex printing. To print double-sided you either adjust the settings at the printer, or adjust the settings at your desktop computer. If you use a network printer, switch network printer settings to print double-sided by default (using the printer control panel). Set the default for all users of the printer to double-sided printing. You can also set your computer to default to double-sided printing using your desktop control panel.
By reducing the amount of paper used on campus by half and using more paper made from recycled content, departments at the University of Maryland have prevented 1,832,839 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, (equivalent to taking 166 cars off the road) and saved 7,835 trees.
We collect single-sided copy and print paper.
Place an empty box or office tray next to each copier and printer area to collect single-sided paper. Post the Green Office paper collection sign above each collection box. Email to your coworkers to remind them to place single-sided recyclable paper in the collection box(es). Use your single-sided paper for draft printing, scrap paper and note pads.
Request Single-Sided Paper Sign
According to Ecology Global Network, the United States, which accounts for only 5 % of the world’s population, uses 30% of all paper. About 28% of all wood cut in the U.S. is used for papermaking. Reuse and then recycle paper to support wise use of natural resources.
We recycle batteries using Facilities Management brown battery collection system.
Whenever possible, purchase rechargeable batteries. Tape the battery terminals for all batteries except alkaline so the metal ends are covered. Deposit used batteries into one of Facilities Management's brown battery recycling bins. There is one battery collection bin in most campus buildings. Lead-acid batteries can be recycled by contacting the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability and Risk at 301.405.3960.
Locations of battery recycling bins
Approximately 3 billion batteries are purchased each year according to the EPA. Batteries that end up in landfills can leak toxic materials that are damaging to soil and water supplies.
Order Mini-Bins to minimize waste.
Order Mini-Bins to replace full sized trash cans for each desk/work space. These small bins encourage less waste sent to the landfill and make more space and convenience for recycling bins. Send the flier to your office about the mini-bins.
Switching to mini-bins has helped offices divert up to 97% of waste from the landfill.
We arrange for Terrapin Trader to pick up surplus office furniture, electronics and/or equipment.
Complete a Trader form online. Call (301)405-5267 to schedule a Terrapin Trader pickup. Surplus items will be picked up within one week of your request. Pickup is free to UMD departments. Donate items not accepted by Terrapin Trader to a community or non-profit organization of your choice.
Terrapin Trader assists in the reuse, redistribution, and recycling of used office furniture, electronics, and lab equipment at the University. This program has kept a wide range of materials from ending up in landfills. In 2010, approximately 6% of the University’s waste was collected by Terrapin Trader for reuse.
We recycle used toner and ink cartridges from printers and copy machines.
Individual ink and toner cartridges can be recycled in campus e-Waste recycling bins located at the front desk of residence halls and the IT Help Desk in McKeldin Library.
If your department generates a large volume of toner cartridges, email recycle@umd.edu to coordinate a pick-up. We request that many cartridges are accumulated prior to submitting a pick-up request.
Recycling Beyond Single-Stream
More than 13 ink cartridges are disposed of every second in the US (According to Earth911, Inc.). Almost a gallon of oil is needed to produce just one ink cartridge.
COMMUTE SMART
For on-campus meetings, we carpool, take the shuttle, bike, or walk.
Use the UMD Smart Commute trip planner to find and estimate your options. Encourage coworkers to travel by bike or shuttle as a group activity- to get to lunch or a meeting. Ask your department to consider providing bikes for on-campus commuting. Rent a bike or scooter from Verde.
Investing in sustainable transportation is far less expensive than building more parking—it costs $31,500,000 to build and regularly maintain a 900-space parking garage. DOTS provides a variety of incentives to encourage the UMD community to try ridesharing, biking, walking and transit.
We calculate our commuter carbon footprint, track changes over time, and share the results with our office.
Annually, ask members of your office to calculate their individual commute emission using UMD Smart Commute. Use tab 2 (Office Information) to record emissions. Then estimate commuting reductions when you complete the Silver certification level.
In 2018 transportation totaled 38.58% of campus emissions. Staff/Faculty commuting emitted 15,828.44 tons tons of carbon in 2018- which is equivalent to driving 38,700,342 miles in a passenger vehicle.