We added an exciting new update to the Leaf Two Application! We are now requiring Green Teams applying for Leaf Two to schedule a Green Team Consult with the Sustainability Coordinator. Every office is different, therefore this will aid Green Teams in identifying sustainability projects that are right for their office and gauging the results of their projects.

The Leaf Two Green Team status is reserved for offices and departments who have set goals to become more sustainable and who are involved in engaging and educating their peers. The purpose of the consult is to help aspiring Leaf Two Green Teams to identify areas of improvement and potential projects and to ensure that each Green Team is being supported in their efforts.

The Green Team Consult allows Eco-Ambassadors to describe in more detail the changes they are already making, ask questions, and suggest improvements to the program. Jordan Schanda, Sustainability Coordinator, is excited about the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Eco-Ambassadors. “I have a list of over 50 project ideas, but not all of these projects will be a good fit for every Green Team. The consult gives me the opportunity to learn more about how their office operates so that we can find the perfect project for them.”

Another important aspect of the Green Team Consult is the opportunity for data collection. Gathering information such as the physical location of the Green Team, the number of employees in the office, as well as the number of computers, desk lamps, appliances, etc… will help identify areas of improvement and quantify results of Green Team projects. According to Jordan Schanda, Sustainability Coordinator, “collecting data is essential to demonstrating success. By conducting the consult, I can determine a baseline for each Green Team and then track their progress as they implement sustainable practices and projects in their office. This will allow each Green Team to see the impact they are making, whether that is energy conserved, dollars saved, or materials diverted.”

The first consult took place last week with the Administrative and Information Services Green Team. According to Andrea Freeman, AIS Eco-Ambassador, “I had a great meeting with Jordan regarding the Green Teams process for our office. It is beneficial for all of us to consider looking at what we are doing for sustainability on our campus, how we can improve and what additional opportunities are available for each of our areas to make more of an effort toward supporting our environment. It is easy and satisfying, when you consider how even the smallest steps toward saving energy and protecting our environment can go a long way for our campus and for our community. I am appreciative of Jordan’s work and help in evaluating what more our office can be doing to support sustainability efforts.”

More information about Green Teams and the Leaf One and Two applications can be found on the Sustainability Website.