Apply for the Greening the Office Certification

Do you work in an administrative office or ambulatory practice and want to enhance the environmental impact of your workspace? Now is the time to apply for the Greening the Office certification!

Using a checklist and resources found on the Sustainability hub, your department can help reduce energy and water usage, improve air quality and reduce waste—all of which can lead to a healthier work environment and cost savings.

“It has been exciting to see this program grow over the last two years and to see the amazing work that teams from across the organization are doing to reduce their department’s environmental impact,” says Marina Sotelo, Sustainability Program Manager. “Every department has a unique lens into their specific operations and how they can be improved to reduce energy and waste, conserve water, and decrease overall emissions, and without this certification program, this work may not be done.”

How Certification Works

The application period is open now through Nov. 30.
Certification lasts for two years, and offices can apply to recertify every two years.
Completion of the checklist does not guarantee certification.
Checklists will be reviewed by the Sustainability Champion Greening the Office subcommittee team, which will award the certification level of Gold or Silver based on the checklist score.
Sticker decals will be distributed to be displayed on department office doors. They will indicate which certification level the office has been awarded.

How To Apply

Review the information on the Greening the Office program page.
Download the Greening the Office certification checklist on the Sustainability hub.
Complete the checklist to show which initiatives are in place in your office.
Review resources to help improve your office score.
Submit the form and any supporting documentation to Marina Sotelo, Efficiency and Sustainability, at mcsotelo@carilionclinic.org by Saturday, Nov. 30.

Tips from Last Year's Participants

Build a team - Each person is in charge of a section and responsible for gathering data, reports and information.
Get creative - Hold contests with small prizes or incentives to involve the office or department.
Share updates - Encourage your office or department through monthly communications that include tips on how to help, "Did you know" facts and contests.
Add details - Nothing is too big or too small to include on the application.
Take photos - Use pictures to show your process.
Start now - Don't wait to start after certification.

Greening the office helps reduce waste and promote healthier work environments—all while fostering a sense of teamwork and providing opportunities for you to make a direct social and environmental impact.

If you are passionate about helping our organization become more sustainable beyond your office or department, consider joining the Sustainability Champions Committee to develop and support efficiency and sustainability programming.

For more information, contact Efficiency and Sustainability: