Congratulations to the Office of Modern Languages and Literatures for being recognized with the first ever Sustainable Office Program Certified Office of the Year Award! This award was established during the 2017-2018 academic year to recognize a certified office in the Sustainable Office Program that went above and beyond the requirements and has proven to be a leader in sustainability on campus.
All certified offices on campus were eligible to apply for the award by filling out a short survey. The application asked each office to consider what they have learned from the Sustainable Office Program certification process and how their office has contributed to Lehigh’s Campus Sustainability Plan 2020 goals. Additionally, offices were asked whether they inspired others to join the program, and what their sustainability goals are for the upcoming year.
The winning office, the Office of Modern Languages and Literatures, which is located in Williams Hall, was the first ever platinum certified office. They received their Sustainable Office Program certification in November 2017. Since then, they have taken several actions to reduce their environmental footprint and encourage sustainable practices within their office, including creating a recycling station for scrap paper, used pens, pencils, and batteries. They have also transitioned to using e-files instead of paper and implemented recycling of K-cups and electronics both in the office and at home. The Office of Modern Languages and Literatures nominated the Religion Studies office to join the Sustainable Office Program, and has inspired other offices in Williams Hall to be more environmentally conscious.
In response to receiving the award, the office of Modern Languages and Literatures said, “The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is very excited and honored to receive the inaugural award for Certified Office of the Year. The department has pulled together to embrace and encourage changes and self-monitor their own efforts in becoming more environmentally conscious. We are discovering new ways of becoming more green and encourage and challenge other offices on campus to get certified and make the changes now for a positive impact on our future.”
To recognize the Office of Modern Languages and Literatures for this accomplishment, they received an engraved glass award and certificate in a sustainable bamboo frame. We look forward to seeing this office and other certified offices continue to work hard to contribute to Lehigh’s campus sustainability goals!