FIU Green Office Program
Spring 2015
The FIU Green Office Program is a voluntary program that will help offices become more sustainable in daily operations.
Action items are listed on the following pages in different topic areas. Check off the items that you are doing or are committed to doing in your office or department.
We recommend that you discuss the items you are trying to implement with your colleagues and supervisor so it is a team effort and everyone can work toward the goal.
Items can be implemented in any order and on any scale. Not all items will be applicable to every office. Resources are available on the Green Office webpage that will help you better understand and complete some of the items.
If your office or department implements at least 15 items on the checklist, we will send you a Green Office Package with office samples and other goodies. Just check off the boxes of the items you have completed, fill in the information below, and email it to GoGreen@FIU.edu.
Name
________________________________________________________________________
Office/Department Name
______________________________________________________
Location
_____________________________________________________________________
Number of people in Office/Department
_________________________________________
Head of Office/Department
____________________________________________________
By filling in the information above and submitting it to the FIU Office of University
Sustainability, I am certifying that my office has completed the items checked off below.
FIU Office of University Sustainability
305.348.3717  GoGreen@FIU.edu
GoGreen.FIU.edu
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FIU Green Office Program
Spring 2015
Energy
 Set all computers to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity.
 Set all copy machines, printers, and other electronics to energy saver/sleep mode when not in use.
 Use natural daylight when possible.
 Turn off lights when the room is not in use and at the end of each workday.
 Set the air conditioner temperature between 72°F and 75°F. This is a University
Standard.
 Request (Facilities work order) motion-sensor lights in all rooms. Place a work order on Facilities.FIU.edu.
Waste & Recycling
 Use reusable mugs, plates and silverware instead of disposable items.
 Have centralized waste stations (paired recycling bin and trash can) in common areas such as break room, lobby, and hallways.
 Confirm that every individual trash can in the office has a recycling bin immediately adjacent to it, or is removed.
 Remove any “paper only” stickers on recycling bins. FIU has single-stream recycling, which means all recyclable items can be placed in the same bin and are sorted at the recycling facility.
 Designate or request a bin to collect used ink and toner cartridges for recycling. Use the recycling request form on GoGreen.FIU.edu.
Transportation
 Organize teleconferences, virtual meetings and remote access when possible.
 Before new vehicles or golf carts are purchased, look into electric, hybrid, or solar powered options. FIU Vehicle Services can help you explore your options.
 Encourage staff to use alternative transportation (FIU Shuttles, public transit, carpooling, biking) Visit Get2FIU.com for more information.
FIU Office of University Sustainability
305.348.3717  GoGreen@FIU.edu
GoGreen.FIU.edu
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FIU Green Office Program
Spring 2015
Purchasing
 Dedicate a closet, cabinet, or box for unused and community office supplies
(folders, paper, writing instruments, staplers, ect.).
 Perform routine maintenance on all office equipment (computers, printers, air conditioning filters, water filters, coffee machines, etc.) This will ensure they are running efficiently and will extend their life.
 When purchasing office equipment, look for Energy Star certified, EPEAT certified, CFL/LED light bulbs, and other environmental certifications.
 When purchasing food, look for organic or local products that have minimal packaging.
 Purchase (or request) paper products (paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, etc.) that have high “post-consumer” recycled content (for many of these items, high quality 100% is often available!).
 Schedule office supply orders for specific times of the year to minimize the number of small orders e.g. once a semester, or quarterly.
 Purchase office supplies (paper, folders, binders, post-its, pens) that have high “post-consumer” recycled content (e.g. 50% or higher). Recycled content does not decrease the integrity of the paper.
 Before buying new furniture, check FIU Surplus. If you do have to purchase new furniture, look for furniture made from post-consumer recycled content or manufactured with sustainable forestry practices.
Printing
 Set printers and copiers to print double-sided automatically, and remind all employees to print double-sided whenever possible.
 When printing large documents, adjust page margins and font size to reduce the amount of paper needed.
 When possible, print in “Economode” or “Fast Draft” to use less ink.
 Use online and electronic options (website, social media, emails, enewsletters) for marketing and outreach materials to reduce printing.
 Use electronic files (USB, FIU Uploads) with electronic signatures instead of printed files whenever possible.
Outreach
FIU Office of University Sustainability
305.348.3717  GoGreen@FIU.edu
GoGreen.FIU.edu
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FIU Green Office Program
Spring 2015
 Request a presentation by Office of University Sustainability for your staff or department by emailing GoGreen.FIU.edu. Presentations topics available include Sustainability 101, Green Living101, Climate Change 101, Recycling
101, and South Florida Ecology.
 Sign up to receive the FIU GoGreen eNewsletter to learn about events and sustainability news on campus. Subscribe at GoGreen.FIU.edu.
 Display Green Office tips on a bulletin board in a common office area. Tips can be found under resources on the Green Office web page.
FIU Office of University Sustainability
305.348.3717  GoGreen@FIU.edu
GoGreen.FIU.edu
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