Carlie LaughlinThe University of Kentucky Sustainable Office Certification (SOC) Program will be certifying its third cohort of offices this fall. Developed in collaboration with local environmental nonprofit, Bluegrass Greensource (BGGS), the program aims to improve everyday office practices and encourage contribution to greater university-wide sustainability goals. By the time of certification, the entire office will understand the importance of improving their habits and the effort it takes to achieve change.
Who can apply?
The program has been developed for an office space that houses three or more employees who work at least 50% of their time in person in the office. Any on-campus office (excluding UK HealthCare with the exception of Area 5) can participate in the program.
Points-based certification
UK Sustainability, UK Recycling and BGGS have worked diligently to develop and implement a scorecard that assesses the practices of each participating office in the following categories: Zero-Waste, Energy, Purchasing, Water, Travel & Transportation, Our People, Green Events and Innovation. Within each category, there is a list of sustainability-based initiatives that align with the sustainability objectives around UK’s campus. The effort and impact of each of these initiatives has been weighed and assigned a point value. Completed scorecard items will earn the office points and their total score will be indicative of their level of achievement and recognition.
Getting involved
Is your office interested in becoming SOC Program certified? Take the first step and fill out our online interest indicator here. The interest form will prompt a meeting with UK Sustainability to conduct an initial scorecard assessment. Prior to this meeting, it is important that you identify your office’s Sustainability Ambassador. This will be your office lead, or the person who meets with UK Sustainability, communicates the program needs and requirements with their office and helps guide change in the areas they wish to improve upon. This person will receive special recognition in addition to the entire office’s recognition for completing the program.
The SOC program sets out to empower each Sustainability Ambassador with the information needed to successfully complete the scorecard and certify their office. Throughout the process, each ambassador communicates the sustainability priorities and goals with all staff and faculty of their respective office.
Upcoming events
If you are interested in learning more and participating in the SOC Program, register for one of our virtual information sessions using the following links:
- The first session will take place noon Aug. 8 via Zoom.
- The second session will take place noon Aug. 14 via Zoom.
Join us to learn more about program details, how you can get involved and the many benefits of being SOCP certified. To learn more, visit sustainability.uky.edu/get-involved/sustainable-office-certification-program.
