George Washington University
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

The Green Office Network is the primary faculty and staff sustainability engagement program at GW. The Office of Sustainability helps facilitate a conversation around best practices among the university faculty and staff through this program. Purpose of the Program •To better understand office behavior and practices on a day-to-day basis •To foster a discussion about how to improve sustainability on the individual and departmental level •To improve awareness, build a sense of community, and empower staff to make positive, healthy changes How it Works •Offices sign up to participate •A member of the Green Office team conducts a short, fun workshop with the office •At the meeting, the office learns about sustainability challenges, areas for improvement and has the opportunity to ask any questions about sustainability at GW •At the conclusion of the workshop, the team sets goals for the office (Sample goal: Increase recycling rates, ensure that all lights are off at the end of the day, set all printing defaults to double-sided) GW also launched a certification program in 2014, in which offices are awarded a certificate indicating how sustainable they are based on a number of criteria. Offices are encouraged to make improvements to reach a higher certification level in their annual re-certification.

Through Talent @ GW, Human Resources offers trainings and resources to support employees in their career goals. Among other trainings offered is "Sustainability Strategies" a course that shows how smart sustainability practices can drive financial performance, help attract and retain employees, and protect a company's license to operate. The trainer outlines how to… establish and ensure your reputation as a company focused on sustainability= Establish and ensure your reputation as a company focused on sustainability manage supply chains more responsibly and effectively= Manage supply chains more responsibly and effectively create new sustainable products and services= Create new sustainable products and services reduce energy use, waste, toxic substances, and emissions= Reduce energy use, waste, toxic substances, and emissions incorporate sustainability practices that enhance employee engagement and retention= Incorporate sustainability practices that enhance employee engagement and retention Last, the trainer helps you figure out where to find resources to help track key metrics, assess your company's carbon footprint, and improve your environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Information about the programs or initiatives is available https://hr.gwu.edu/talentgw