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Energy Initiative and School of Medicine HR are Green Workplaces

Thirty-six areas have achieved Duke Green Workplace Certification

Two new workplaces, the Duke University Energy Initiative and the School of Medicine Human Resources (HR) and Faculty Appointments, Promotion and Tenure Office (APT), have achieved the Duke Green Workplace Certification, bringing the total to 36 certified workplaces and over 650 staff working in certified workplaces at Duke.  The Green Workplace Certification recognizes work areas that formally assess how they are reducing their environmental footprint.

The Duke University Energy Initiative earned certification for eight staff by completing 44 out of 58 items on the certification checklist.  Sustainability comes naturally for the Energy Initiative as they are involved with and develop many educational programs, research, events and courses across campus that teach students about energy, including the topic of sustainability.  The workplace reduces waste by using reusable water bottles and dishes, printing double-sided and communicating electronically rather than in print.  They also encourage alternative transportation, videoconferencing and telecommuting for their staff members.

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The School of Medicine HR and APT also completed 44 items on the checklist on behalf of the seven staff members.  The workplace purchases ENERGY STAR electronics and recycled content paper and office supplies.  They have cancelled junk mail distributed to the office, bring excess office supplies to the Free Store, and encourage meeting attendees to bring their own mug.  They also ask presenters at regular meetings to distribute notes electronically rather than printing copies. 

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.