Green Office Frequently Asked Questions
This is a list of frequently asked questions to help your office throughout certification. The document is organized by each step of the process. Please reach out to the Green Office Team with any questions regarding this list or the Green Office certification program.
What is the time commitment of the program?
- Our program is set up to meet your schedule. We typically recommend offices complete the certification within a year, but you are welcome to take as much or as little time as you need.
What if our office is mostly or all part-time staff?
- Many of our Green Offices involve one or more part-time staff members. Generally, we find this does not prevent offices from finding time and interest to participate in the program. If it becomes challenging for your office to complete the certification, please let your Green Office intern know, and we can work with you to discuss options!
How long is the presentation?
- The presentation runs for ~45 minutes, though we like to schedule an hour to allow time for questions.
Does the presentation need to be in person?
- The presentation can be done virtually, in-person, or hybrid to accommodate as many people as possible.
How many of our office staff need to be present for the main Green Office Presentation?
- We ask that the majority of your staff attend the presentation. We understand if not everyone can make it and we can record the presentation for you to share with staff that were unable to attend.
What if some of the items on the checklist are not within the control of our office?
- You can leave these items blank on the Google Form. If you struggle to meet the 30-item requirement, please reach out to your Green Office intern and we will discuss options so you still meet the requirement.
What will the Green Office interns need access to for the audits?
- The Green Office team will audit any shared spaces (like communal kitchens or lounges), individual offices, and any miscellaneous areas within the office space. For the waste audit, we will need access to all waste and recycling bins if possible. We do not audit bathroom spaces, research or laboratory space, or clinic space.
Are we able to direct the Green Office interns where we want the energy and waste audits within our office space?
- Yes. When the Green Office interns arrive for the audit, we ask that you show us the spaces you would like audited. It is also helpful to point out any areas or rooms you prefer not to have included. The interns will only audit and provide feedback on the spaces they are shown.
How long are the energy and waste audits?
- Generally, we like to schedule ~1.5 hours for the audits. Since each office space is different, the time we schedule can depend on the size of the office and how many spaces within the office we audit. Your Green Office intern will work with you to figure out how long we will need for the audits.
How many of our office staff need to be at the volunteer event?
- For the volunteer event, we ask that 50% of your office is present. The exception to this is during Earth Fest for our Green Offices Go Outside event, where only a proportion of your office is required to attend. Please reach out to your Green Office intern if you would like to discuss options to fulfill the volunteering requirement.