Green Office Resources and Practices

Energy

• Turn off computers, printers, and copiers over night and especially on weekends & breaks.
• Activate sleep mode on computers, instead of screen-savers.
• Activate energy savers on copiers, fax machines, & printers.
• Replace old equipment with EnergyStar® equipment.
• Replace monitors with flat-screen displays Eliminate standalone machines including desk-side printers, fax machines, and scanners (utilize multifunction devices).
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL or LED Post signs/stickers near lights and appliances to remind people to shut them off.
• Post signs/stickers near windows to shut them.
• Regulate thermostats: 68° or below in winter and 75° or above in summer.
• Set refrigerator temperature to 37° F and freezer to 3-5° F.
• Turn off equipment and lights when not in use (small appliances still use energy if any sort of light is on) *Using power strips makes this easy.
• Eliminate unnecessary equipment.

Purchasing

• Use recycled (100% recycled or high post-consumer content) and tree-free papers in copier, printer, and fax.
• Make the switch to 100% recycled content as it becomes more affordable.
• Use recyclable paper (no bright, dark or plastic coated).
• Purchase recycled content, non-toxic, remanufactured office supplies.
• Purchase non-toxic and/or biodegradable cleaners.
• Purchase energy efficient and/or reused office equipment
• Purchase furniture that is reused or made with recycled-content materials and/or certified wood
• Ask about options for environmentally friendly products (i.e. paints, carpet, lighting) if you are planning to renovate or remodel
• Shop CU before going off-campus

Waste Reduction

• Memos, forms, and newsletters are sent electronically, while other documents are printed only when necessary
• Opt out of receiving unwanted junk mail
• Make double-sided copying/ printing a standard practice
• Reuse items rather than throw them away when possible
  • Set aside an area for one sided scrap paper and reuse it in printer/copier when possible for informal documents 
• Have a designated area for sharing office supplies
• Use reusable cups/mugs, plates, and silverware
• Do not use bright/ dark paper and/or plastic covers in copy/ print jobs
• Print only necessary quantities of copies, catalogs, brochures, etc.
• Minimize packaging
  • Consolidate orders to once or twice a week (or less!) 
• Reuse plastic grocery bags
• Avoid using bottled water at events and meetings

Transportation

• Post carpool, bus, bike, & pedestrian information (Zimride is a great carpool network!)
• Make a bicycle available for running errands, making deliveries, etc.
• The CU Bike Station lends out bikes for 2 days, located on the east side of the UMC 
• Request hybrids or right sized vehicles when renting from Transportation Services/Avis
• Purchase offsets from department travel (airplane travel, bringing in guest speakers, rental vehicles etc.) 
• Participate in commuter challenges (bike-to-work-day, etc.)

Transportation Resources: 

• Bus Info
• RTD Bus Pass
• Ski Bus
• Carpooling Info
• Bike Station

Pest Management

• If you have pest occurrences, call Facilities Management for Integrated Pest Management – least toxic treatment and prevention methods