UofL launches Green Office Certification and Sustainability Ambassadors pilot program
In an effort to more broadly engage the full campus community in the process of behavior change and institutional transformation, the UofL Sustainability Council is launching a new pilot program in 2026 focused on providing staff across the university with the training, guidance, inspiration, and support they need to create change that is environmentally, socially, and economically responsible. The Green Office Certification and Sustainability Ambassadors program is open to any employees who work in an on-campus setting with at least two other colleagues. Those interested in participating in the pilot program in 2026 should contact the chair of the Engagement Committee, Brian Barnes. An orientation meeting will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:30am on Teams.
What is it?
This program is intended to support those who work at the University of Louisville in adopting best practices related to sustainability in the workplace. Implementation of such practices are essential to the university’s efforts to achieve our strategic goals and to maximize our positive impact on the world.
Who is offering the certification program?
This program is offered by the Office of the Provost through the university-wide Sustainability Council, supported by Dr. Justin Mog, Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability initiatives. Dr. Brian Barnes, chair of the Sustainability Engagement Committee, will facilitate the certification, training, and verification, and will be the point of contact for support and questions.
What are the benefits of participating?
Your UofL office or team will gain relevant knowledge about ways you can conserve resources and make life better through training in sustainability practices that are relevant to your office setting. Many of these lessons will translate to home and other settings, as well. Successful offices or teams who fully participate and achieve certification will receive recognition across the university and a decal for your office door or window as a “Certified Green Office.”
What is required?
Your office or team will choose a representative to lead the effort, or a “Sustainability Ambassador,” who will coordinate between your office and the program’s leadership. The Ambassador will work with colleagues in your office, among your team and your unit/department leadership to identify specific sustainability interests and goals in order to focus efforts and foster office buy-in. Your team will complete a customized sustainability certification plan and take steps to implement the plan.
We will offer four training meetings per calendar year to orient individuals about sustainability practices, to create collaboration among participants, and to share successes. Sustainability Ambassadors will be expected to attend a minimum of one meeting per calendar year, but we hope you’ll attend them all!
Additionally, the Ambassador will work with colleagues to complete an office sustainability audit after watching a series of short training videos and completing sustainability-related tasks around the office. There is also room for creating your own sustainability actions beyond the checklist. The completed checklist should be emailed to Brian Barnes. Brian will review the checklist and follow up with the Ambassador to review the checklist and to award certification or discuss steps required toward that goal.
Offices will have the opportunity to be certified Green at three levels based on how many actions they take:
CERTIFICATION LEVELS |
% of Points | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Leaf | Basic Green Office Certification requires at least | 40% |
| 2 Leaves | Dark Green Office Certification requires at least | 60% |
| 3 Leaves | Deep Forest Green Office Certification requires action in all categories (full coverage) & an overall score of at least | 75% |
