University of Connecticut
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

"Green Office Certification Program: Every fall and spring semester, a notice is sent out in the employee newsletter advertising their opportunity to apply to become a ""Green Office"". The staff in offices that opt to participate in the certification learn about a variety of ways to be more sustainable in their workspace. Periodically, the Office of Environmental Policy hosts a Green Office Certification Program breakfast for staff and faculty. The purpose is to recruit new Green Office certification participants and to raise awareness about sustainable practices and options available in the UConn workplace. During the breakfast they receive a sustainable buffet (courtesy of UConn Dining Services) and learn about ways that they can continue to improve the sustainability of their work space. In addition, members ask questions and engage in lively discussions about what steps UConn can continue taking to become more sustainable. http://ecohusky.uconn.edu/green-office-certification-program/ http://ecohusky.uconn.edu/docs/progress/guidelines%202014.pdf "

UConn is a long-time member of AASHE, Second Nature, the NECSC and the CT Campus Sustainability Coalition, and has played a leadership role in several of these organizations. Many staff in several departments are listed as contacts for one or more of these associations. Rich Miller, OEP Director, is current chair of AASHE's Board of Directors, and UConn's President Herbst is a current member of Second Nature's Climate Leadership Steering Committee. Many UConn staff in multiple departments participate in sustainability-related training at the AASHE conference, at the NECSC conference, and at seminars and webinars sponsored by these and other organizations, like the Green Sports Alliance, SCUP and NACUBO. Professional development is well-supported by UConn and the University reimburses travel and registration expenses for all of the above-listed programs.