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Rubenstein Library Technical Services Earns Green Workplace Certification

73 workplaces including over 1,550 staff have earned the Duke Green Workplace Certification

Rubenstein Library Technical Services (RLTS) recently earned Duke Green Workplace Certification, bringing the campus total to 73 certified green workplaces. The Certification recognizes work areas that formally assess how they are reducing their environmental footprint.

RLTS earned certification by completing 45 out of 58 checklist items for their 16 staff members. Staff collect office supplies and reusable items acquired while processing archival materials, including binders, clips, folders, and picture frames, and regularly bring them to the Duke Free Store. Staff also use a cloth hand towel at their communal sink to avoid waste from disposable paper towels. When RLTS hosts events, they encourage attendees to bring their own reusable mug or cup, avoid individually wrapped or boxed food items, and seek local and organic food options. Staff also use a variety of technologies to reduce the need for printing.

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.