The Green Office Program is a self-rating system for campus offices and departments that helps advance sustainability on The College of Wooster campus. The program has two goals. First, we want to encourage sustainable behaviors among employees. Second, we aim to reduce energy usage and cost. See below for details about how the program works and how to sign up.
Participating offices sign up and select someone to serve as the liaison. This person will fill out the Green Office Checklist, answering 31 questions about sustainability infrastructure in your office area and sustainability-related behaviors from your staff. The checklist automatically calculates points as you fill it out. For some questions you will need to survey the colleagues in your office/department. This can be done in-person at a staff meeting or by using a short 13-question (yes/no) survey that we can provide for you. The more questions answered, the more points you can earn! Offices completing the checklist may be rated as “Green Office Reporter,” “Green Office Bronze,” “Green Office Silver,” and “Green Office Gold” depending on their total points.
After turning in your Green Office Checklist, the Sustainability Office will review the worksheet and send you a Green Office certified logo and sticker for you to proudly display on your website, your office door, computer, water bottle, etc.
Note: To make it simpler for your staff, feel free to request assistance from the Sustainability Office by emailing Brian Webb (bwebb@wooster.edu) to schedule a consultation.
Get Started
Follow the steps below to get started with your Green Office rating.
- Sign up by completing the Green Office signup form, and appoint someone in your area to be the liaison.
- We recommend that the liaison watch a short 10-minute video explaining how to complete the checklist.
- Download and complete the Green Office Checklist (.xlsx).
- When complete, return the checklist by emailing it to Brian Webb (bwebb@wooster.edu).
How is an “office” defined for this program?
- You can decide how large or small to define your “office.” For example, APEX may decide to certify as one “office,” OR the individual offices under APEX (Global Engagement, Career Planning, Academic Resource Center, etc.) may decide to certify individually.
Can academic departments participate?
- Absolutely! In fact, the Earth Sciences Department helped during our pilot program stage (and earned Silver status!)
How long does it take to complete the worksheet?
- It should take approximately two hours for the liaison to complete the worksheet and just 3-5 minutes for others in your department to complete the survey. Again, this time commitment could be shortened by scheduling a meeting with the Sustainability Office so we can do more of the heavy lifting
Is there a student version?
- Not yet, but it’s under consideration.
What if I’m unsure about some of the answers?
- That’s okay! Do your best. Estimates are okay, but please err on the conservative side. For example, if you’re unsure whether the refrigerator in your area is Energy Star certified, it’s safe to assume that it’s not.
Do I have to answer all the questions?
- No, but the more questions you answer the more likely you are to get a higher rating.