The Center for Social Development (CSD) has received the Silver certification as a “Green Office” for the second year in a row.
CSD Director of Administration Lissa Johnson and Program Coordinator Tanika Spencer represented the Center at Washington University’s Green Carpet Awards on February 2 at College Hall. The Office of Sustainability leads the program.
Chancellor Mark Wrighton kicked off the luncheon event by encouraging Sustainability leaders and Green Office liaisons. “We stand tall among universities around the world,” Wrighton said, and he emphasized that participants play an important role in advancing the university’s sustainability goals.
The Green Office program encourages the adoption of policies and practices that minimize the environmental impact of office operations. Completion of an annual checklist is required, and participants are encouraged to set goals for improved performance. The program has four levels of certification: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
“We’re going for the Gold next year, and we challenge our school’s centers to do the same,” Johnson said.
The awards event used elements of green event planning including a plant-based menu with locally sourced ingredients, reusable dishes, and awards and plaques local artists made from reclaimed materials.