Goal: Office temperatures are comfortable for occupants

• Submit service requests to report temperature issues to the Facilities Maintenance and Operations team.

• Remove space heaters.

Goal: Office computers use optimal Power & Sleep settings

• Set screens to turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

• Set computers to go to sleep after 20 minutes of inactivity.

Goal: Electronic items are turned off or unplugged when not in use and overnight

• Check lights, including desk lamps and under cabinet lights.

• Check electronics, including chargers, monitors, printers, and copy machines.

Goal: Unnecessary devices are cleared from the office

• Conduct an inventory of office electronics to determine what is no longer necessary (for example, remove desk-side printers and use only shared units).

• Coordinate with Technology Services to request removal.

Goal: Natural lighting and heating/ cooling are used as often as possible

• Open blinds to take advantage of natural lighting.

• Open/close blinds when in direct sunlight to provide warmth/cooling.

Goal: “Turn Off” reminders are above all light switches

• Email sustainability@cua.edu to request signage if needed.

Goal: There are no leaks or drips

• Designate a person to submit service requests to report any leaks or drips to the Facilities Maintenance and Operations team.

Goal: “Turn Off” reminders are near all faucets

• Place signs in office kitchens and bathrooms to remind users to turn off the faucet when it's not in use. 

• Email sustainability@cua.edu to request signage if needed.

Goal: Office supplies are shared among all team members

• Participate in the Campus-Wide Office Supply Swap annually to promote recycling and reuse of office supplies.

• Dedicate a central area for staff to share office supplies that can be reused, such as binders, file folders, paper clips, staplers, scrap paper, and desk organizers.

Goal: Meetings are paperless

• Send agendas and handouts via email.

• Use PowerPoint and projectors for displays.

Goal: Printers use optimal print settings

• Create online alternatives for forms and publications to avoid printing.

• Set printing defaults to double sided (duplex) printing.

• Reduce margins and font sizes to reduce paper usage (except when specific formatting is required).

Goal: Team members recycle regularly and correctly

• Review campus recycling guidelines with staff.

• Check to see if there are recycling “how-to” signs above all recycling and waste bins. 

• Email sustainability@cua.edu to request signage.

• If you do not have a recycling bin next to your office's central waste bin, submit a service request to request one.

Goal: Team members compost regularly and correctly

• Review campus composting guidelines with staff.

• Designate a compost collection area such as a closed bin or a space in a shared refrigerator/freezer.

• Designate a team member to empty the compost once per week by bringing it to the compost bins in the Pryz or on the Pryz/Garvey Hall loading docks.

Goal: Supply space is well stocked and monitored to ensure no excess products are purchased

• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of office equipment and consumables to avoid over purchasing.

• Participate in the Campus-Wide Office Supply Swap annually to clear excess inventory and find items needed in your office.

Goal: Reusable kitchenware is available and used

• Purchase reusable kitchenware for use by staff.

• Encourage employees to bring their own reusable mugs and lunch boxes.

• Minimize the purchase of disposable products such as paper plates, plastic utensils, and pod-style coffee maker cups.

• Do not offer single-serve coffee or bottled water in the office.

Goal: Eco-friendly products are available and used

• Purchase energy efficient light bulbs (LEDs).

• Purchase products made with recycled content.

• Purchase products shipped with minimal packaging.

• Buy products in bulk when applicable to minimize packaging.

Goal: Events are eco-friendly

• Review the Green Events Guide for tips on hosting sustainable events.

Goal: Team members commute by bike or alternative transportation

• Share information about alternative commute options with employees. 

• Encourage employees to use public transit, bike, or walk.

Goal: Team members regularly participate in sustainability and wellness initiatives on campus

• Encourage staff to participate in sustainability and wellness initiatives on campus:

  • Community garden

  • Wellness Wednesday Walks

  • Fitness & Recreation programs

  • Cardinal Cupboard

  • Cardinal Closet

  • Food recoveries

Goal: Team members are aware of sustainability resources

• Encourage staff to sign up for the monthly sustainability newsletter.

• Share information about your office’s and the University’s sustainability efforts with new employees.