University Development Earns Green Workplace Certification

University Development has achieved the Duke Green Workplace Certification, bringing the total to 37 certified workplaces and over 800 staff working in certified workplaces at Duke.  The Green Workplace Certification recognizes work areas that formally assess how they are reducing their environmental footprint.

University Development earned certification for 170 staff by completing 44 out of 58 items on the certification checklist.  To ensure that all 170 staff within the workplace are committed to the certification, green leaders in the workplace presented to staff about sustainability efforts at Duke and the details of the Green Workplace Certification checklist.  They also include "Green Spotlights" in their monthly newsletters and quiz staff about sustainability. 

University Development has taken numerous steps to green their events and meetings, including asking attendees to bring their own mug, providing local, organic and vegetarian food, and using reusable dishware instead of disposables.  They have also implemented energy saving practices in the workplace and encourage alternative transportation options for staff.

Duke's Office of Sustainability administers the Duke Green Workplace Certification, which begins when a representative from a work area attends the free "Leading for Environmental Sustainability" workshop. As part of the workshop, participants receive a checklist of sustainable practices ranging from double-sided printing to using eco-friendly dishwashing soap in a break room. A work area that can demonstrate it follows at least 40 of the checklist's 58 items can apply for certification and permission to post the Duke Green Workplace seal in its office and on materials.

View a complete list of certified offices and the actions they completed to earn certification.