Sustainable Leaders Network

Past program that brought together leaders in each school or department to green their workspaces, share best-practices, and foster a culture of sustainability from 2017 to 2020.

About the Sustainable Leaders Network (SLN)

In September 2016, when President Bollinger announced the creation of the University’s first set of Sustainability Principles, he introduced a new forum called the Sustainable Leaders Network (SLN). The provost also announced the creation of the SLN at the Council of Deans meeting held on September 8, 2016.

The goals of the SLN are to advance Columbia’s overarching sustainability initiatives among the many schools and departments at the University, and to foster a culture of sustainability throughout the University.

Concurrent with the University’s high-level strides and “behind the scenes” activities to advance sustainability, such as designing sustainable buildings and sourcing clean energy, departments and individuals also have a responsibility to reduce their impact.

In support of the University's Sustainability Principles, Columbia is committed to foster a culture of sustainability. The Workplace Certification webform provided a checklist of all the possible actions schools and departments could take at Columbia to support the University's sustainability goals as outlined in our plan.

^{These are required actions that must be completed as you begin the program.}

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Action: We have engaged Environmental Stewardship to present to our team about sustainability at Columbia, and how the certification program works.

Action: This department, school or center has a Green Leader.

Action: We posted on our social media and/or website that we are participating in the Sustainable Leaders Network Green Office Certification program, and used #SustainableColumbia (we included a team photo, if possible).

Action: We have information about our office’s environmental efforts, what we are doing to meet the Green Office program standards and/or green tips posted in an easily visible location for staff and visitors to see (such as a bulletin board, or TV monitor).

Action: We have shown the Columbia recycling video, or other sustainability-focused video to our team.

Action: We have invited Environmental Stewardship to conduct a Recycling 101 demo, and/or participated in a Recycling Train the Trainer seminar organized by Environmental Stewardship.

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We participate in the bi-annual Clean and Go Green events hosted on Low Plaza by: donating old books, clothes, office supplies to the community exchange tent; bringing files to be shredded and recycled; bringing old electronics to be properly recycled.: We participate in the bi-annual Clean and Go Green events hosted on Low Plaza by: donating old books, clothes, office supplies to the community exchange tent; bringing files to be shredded and recycled; bringing old electronics to be properly recycled.
Before disposing of furniture prior to a workspace move or upgrade, we list our used equipment, furniture and supplies on the Columbia Reuse Website or donate elsewhere.: Before disposing of furniture prior to a workspace move or upgrade, we list our used equipment, furniture and supplies on the Columbia Reuse Website or donate elsewhere.
We have set a workspace policy to default all our central printers to print double-sided on our computers, and we placed a visual prompt on our copy machine to remind members of our team to double-side copy.: We have set a workspace policy to default all our central printers to print double-sided on our computers, and we placed a visual prompt on our copy machine to remind members of our team to double-side copy.
We have eliminated desk-top printers in our workspace and route all print jobs to the centralized printer. (One way to do this is to work with the printer vendor to establish a security code system to make printing more secure.): We have eliminated desk-top printers in our workspace and route all print jobs to the centralized printer. (One way to do this is to work with the printer vendor to establish a security code system to make printing more secure.)
We reduce paper margins in order to decrease the length of documents we print.: We reduce paper margins in order to decrease the length of documents we print.
We utilize the 'lock-print' feature on our printer to minimize accidental print jobs and save paper.: We utilize the 'lock-print' feature on our printer to minimize accidental print jobs and save paper.
We hold zero-waste staff meetings (i.e. send materials in advance, project information on screen instead of providing handouts).: We hold zero-waste staff meetings (i.e. send materials in advance, project information on screen instead of providing handouts).
We have adapted our workspace policy to use an electronic timesheet system instead of using paper copies.: We have adapted our workspace policy to use an electronic timesheet system instead of using paper copies.
We use electronic financial reports.: We use electronic financial reports.
We keep a stack of previously used paper near printers to be used for scratch paper or internal memos, made into notepads, or loaded into a designated a bypass tray on printer for printing internal or draft single-sided documents. (Applicable to printers only where printer paper is accessible to users).: We keep a stack of previously used paper near printers to be used for scratch paper or internal memos, made into notepads, or loaded into a designated a bypass tray on printer for printing internal or draft single-sided documents. (Applicable to printers only where printer paper is accessible to users).
We have a designated area in our supply closet, or elsewhere in our workspace, for sharing supplies that can be re-used (file folders, binders, pens, paper clips, etc).: We have a designated area in our supply closet, or elsewhere in our workspace, for sharing supplies that can be re-used (file folders, binders, pens, paper clips, etc).
We remind staff to bring their own mugs and have reusable mugs available for visitors in our workspace. We promote discounts available on campus for those who bring reusable mugs.: We remind staff to bring their own mugs and have reusable mugs available for visitors in our workspace. We promote discounts available on campus for those who bring reusable mugs.
At our events and meetings:: At our events and meetings:
We use reusable cups, dishware, and utensils. If we must use disposable items, we make sure that recycling receptacles are present inside the room for all events, and that an announcement is made encouraging the use of these bins.: We use reusable cups, dishware, and utensils. If we must use disposable items, we make sure that recycling receptacles are present inside the room for all events, and that an announcement is made encouraging the use of these bins.
When we book an event in Lerner Event space (Morningside Campus) or the faculty club (Medical Center Campus), we discuss the availability of to-go containers with our event manager so that event participants may take leftover food. If to-go containers are not an option, we ask the event staff to be sure our leftover food is composted through the building organics program, if applicable.: When we book an event in Lerner Event space (Morningside Campus) or the faculty club (Medical Center Campus), we discuss the availability of to-go containers with our event manager so that event participants may take leftover food. If to-go containers are not an option, we ask the event staff to be sure our leftover food is composted through the building organics program, if applicable.
In the lunch/break room, we have replaced disposables with permanent ware (mugs, dishes, utensils, etc.) and use refillable or bulk containers for sugar, salt & pepper, ketchup, etc. to avoid individual condiment packets.: In the lunch/break room, we have replaced disposables with permanent ware (mugs, dishes, utensils, etc.) and use refillable or bulk containers for sugar, salt & pepper, ketchup, etc. to avoid individual condiment packets.
We provide recycling bins in our meeting, conference, and class rooms with the appropriate Sustainable Columbia signage.: We provide recycling bins in our meeting, conference, and class rooms with the appropriate Sustainable Columbia signage.
There are recycling bins in all common areas where trash bins are present, such as kitchens, break rooms, mailrooms, and copy rooms.: There are recycling bins in all common areas where trash bins are present, such as kitchens, break rooms, mailrooms, and copy rooms.
We have eliminated desk-side trash containers and switched instead to desk-side recycling, with central trash locations.: We have eliminated desk-side trash containers and switched instead to desk-side recycling, with central trash locations.
We recycle inkjet and laser jet cartridges back to the manufacturer.: We recycle inkjet and laser jet cartridges back to the manufacturer.
We recycle our e-waste: on the Morningside Campus at Lerner Hall, or at the Clean and Go Green events offered twice a year; or at CUMC, we submit an IT work ticket.: We recycle our e-waste: on the Morningside Campus at Lerner Hall, or at the Clean and Go Green events offered twice a year; or at CUMC, we submit an IT work ticket.
We recycle batteries in the designated points on campus.: We recycle batteries in the designated points on campus.

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In an effort to reduce the amount of delivery truck trips to campus and the minimize associated carbon emissions in the neighborhood, we commit to consolidate orders so that we do not make purchases:: In an effort to reduce the amount of delivery truck trips to campus and the minimize associated carbon emissions in the neighborhood, we commit to consolidate orders so that we do not make purchases:
Less than $50.: Less than $50.
Less than $100.: Less than $100.
We purchase copy, computer and fax paper with a minimum of:: We purchase copy, computer and fax paper with a minimum of:
30% post consumer waste content (which is priced the same as virgin paper at Columbia).: 30% post consumer waste content (which is priced the same as virgin paper at Columbia).
100% post consumer waste content.: 100% post consumer waste content.
We purchase letterhead, envelopes and business cards with minimum of:: We purchase letterhead, envelopes and business cards with minimum of:
30% post consumer waste content.: 30% post consumer waste content.
100% post consumer waste content.: 100% post consumer waste content.
We purchase folders, notepads, post-its or other paper products with a minimum of:: We purchase folders, notepads, post-its or other paper products with a minimum of:
10% post consumer recycled content.: 10% post consumer recycled content.
30% post consumer recycled content.: 30% post consumer recycled content.
We purchase only recycled or remanufactured laser and copier toner cartridges.: We purchase only recycled or remanufactured laser and copier toner cartridges.
We work with Columbia Print to print all copy jobs on 100% recycled paper.: We work with Columbia Print to print all copy jobs on 100% recycled paper.
If our print job requires that we work with an external printing contractor, we ask that they use:: If our print job requires that we work with an external printing contractor, we ask that they use:
Paper with 30% post consumer waste content.: Paper with 30% post consumer waste content.
Paper with 100% post consumer waste content.: Paper with 100% post consumer waste content.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
We use either our caterer's reusable dinnerware or compostable event options.: We use either our caterer's reusable dinnerware or compostable event options.
We have the caterer provide drinks and snacks in bulk rather than individual containers.: We have the caterer provide drinks and snacks in bulk rather than individual containers.
We purchase food in bulk trays and avoid purchasing cardboard and plastic-boxed meals.: We purchase food in bulk trays and avoid purchasing cardboard and plastic-boxed meals.
For new office furniture:: For new office furniture:
We buy refurbished furniture.: We buy refurbished furniture.
Any new equipment we purchase is ENERGY STAR rated, if applicable. If ENERGY STAR is not available, we work with our vendor to purchase the most efficient option.: Any new equipment we purchase is ENERGY STAR rated, if applicable. If ENERGY STAR is not available, we work with our vendor to purchase the most efficient option.

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We have control over our thermostat and keep it set at 68 degrees for heating and 76 degrees for cooling, per the University's guidelines. If we do not have direct control, we've reached out to our building manager to set our thermostat to the above standard.: We have control over our thermostat and keep it set at 68 degrees for heating and 76 degrees for cooling, per the University's guidelines. If we do not have direct control, we've reached out to our building manager to set our thermostat to the above standard.
We leave clear space in front of all of our radiators and vents.: We leave clear space in front of all of our radiators and vents.
We do not use space heaters in our workspace.: We do not use space heaters in our workspace.
We have sleep mode enabled on all copiers and all printers.: We have sleep mode enabled on all copiers and all printers.
We enabled power management settings on our computers. If changing these setting requires administrative rights, we've contacted our IT group for assistance.: We enabled power management settings on our computers. If changing these setting requires administrative rights, we've contacted our IT group for assistance.
We shut off our monitors and/or manually send our computers into energy saving modes (standby or hibernate) when not in use.: We shut off our monitors and/or manually send our computers into energy saving modes (standby or hibernate) when not in use.
We have arranged with our IT group to be able to shut down our computers at night, and it is now a workspace policy to shut down computers at the end of the work day.: We have arranged with our IT group to be able to shut down our computers at night, and it is now a workspace policy to shut down computers at the end of the work day.
We use power strips and surge protectors with an on/off switch, or 'smart strips' for electronics, chargers, and appliances/devices with digital clocks, and switch them off each night.: We use power strips and surge protectors with an on/off switch, or 'smart strips' for electronics, chargers, and appliances/devices with digital clocks, and switch them off each night.
We encourage our staff to get rid of outdated computer equipment that no longer meets power standards.: We encourage our staff to get rid of outdated computer equipment that no longer meets power standards.
We send, or will send, an e-mail to our staff before holidays and breaks containing an energy saving checklist for leaving their workspace. We have this information hanging in a public space as a daily reminder.: We send, or will send, an e-mail to our staff before holidays and breaks containing an energy saving checklist for leaving their workspace. We have this information hanging in a public space as a daily reminder.
Lights are turned off when not in use during the day and at night, including in common areas such as kitchens, conference rooms, storage closets, and bathrooms. We designate the last person out of the workspace to be responsible for shutting off any lights that were left on.: Lights are turned off when not in use during the day and at night, including in common areas such as kitchens, conference rooms, storage closets, and bathrooms. We designate the last person out of the workspace to be responsible for shutting off any lights that were left on.
We have dedicated funding toward and/or have worked with Facilities and Operations to install motion sensors.: We have dedicated funding toward and/or have worked with Facilities and Operations to install motion sensors.
We have posted prompts near light switches reminding staff to shut off bathroom, conference room and workspace lights, etc. when not in use.: We have posted prompts near light switches reminding staff to shut off bathroom, conference room and workspace lights, etc. when not in use.
Hard-wired lights without on/off switches have been retrofitted to be controllable and provide the appropriate lighting levels (with the exception of emergency lighting).: Hard-wired lights without on/off switches have been retrofitted to be controllable and provide the appropriate lighting levels (with the exception of emergency lighting).
We have put aside funding for and outfitted all of our workstations and desks have task lights with CFLs or LEDs, which we use when working afterhours, times that the office is mostly empty, or other times when full overhead lighting is not necessary.: We have put aside funding for and outfitted all of our workstations and desks have task lights with CFLs or LEDs, which we use when working afterhours, times that the office is mostly empty, or other times when full overhead lighting is not necessary.
We have put funding toward replacing our lighting with the more energy-efficient T-8, T-5 or LED fixtures.: We have put funding toward replacing our lighting with the more energy-efficient T-8, T-5 or LED fixtures.
We turn off lights and use natural lighting when possible.: We turn off lights and use natural lighting when possible.
We have workspace policy that blinds/shades will be closed during peak summer hours to reduce heat coming in windows, unless using the light for daylighting.: We have workspace policy that blinds/shades will be closed during peak summer hours to reduce heat coming in windows, unless using the light for daylighting.
We have a workspace policy that blinds/shades will be closed at the end of every day during winter heating season. We have appointed an individual to check that they are closed (as part of larger checklist) every day.: We have a workspace policy that blinds/shades will be closed at the end of every day during winter heating season. We have appointed an individual to check that they are closed (as part of larger checklist) every day.
We keep windows closed if the heating/cooling system is running.: We keep windows closed if the heating/cooling system is running.
We check that windows are closed when the workspace is unoccupied (or on holidays/weekends).: We check that windows are closed when the workspace is unoccupied (or on holidays/weekends).
Microwaves, coffee makers, small appliances, printers, copiers, etc. are unplugged at night, and a designated person checks (as part of a larger checklist) at the end of each day. Or, these appliances are programmed to shut off through a timer or plug load controller.: Microwaves, coffee makers, small appliances, printers, copiers, etc. are unplugged at night, and a designated person checks (as part of a larger checklist) at the end of each day. Or, these appliances are programmed to shut off through a timer or plug load controller.
We encourage employees and students to take the stairs instead of using the elevator.: We encourage employees and students to take the stairs instead of using the elevator.
Unless necessary, we do not use the ADA paddlebars on doors to minimize length of time the door is open, and save energy by maintaining the inside air temperature.: Unless necessary, we do not use the ADA paddlebars on doors to minimize length of time the door is open, and save energy by maintaining the inside air temperature.
We keep areas around thermostats clear/don't locate heat-generating equipment near thermostats (like refridgerators).: We keep areas around thermostats clear/don't locate heat-generating equipment near thermostats (like refridgerators).
We inform Facilities and Operations if there is bare (uninsulated) heating/cooling piping in our workspace.: We inform Facilities and Operations if there is bare (uninsulated) heating/cooling piping in our workspace.
If our space has air conditioning but surrounding hallways do not, we keep doors to hallways closed.: If our space has air conditioning but surrounding hallways do not, we keep doors to hallways closed.

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We checked to see if there is an aerator present on our sinks, and if need be, have had Facilities and Operations install a sink aerator with an on/off lever that does not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute.: We checked to see if there is an aerator present on our sinks, and if need be, have had Facilities and Operations install a sink aerator with an on/off lever that does not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute.
We have designated a person to report any leaks (kitchen, bathroom or lab) to Facilities and Operations immediately.: We have designated a person to report any leaks (kitchen, bathroom or lab) to Facilities and Operations immediately.
We have budgeted for and use low-flow appliances (toilets, showers, washing machines, etc.): We have budgeted for and use low-flow appliances (toilets, showers, washing machines, etc.)

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In our kitchen, we use:: In our kitchen, we use:
Environmentally preferable, scent-free dishwashing soap.: Environmentally preferable, scent-free dishwashing soap.
Environmentally preferable all-purpose cleaner in place of harsh chemical cleaners.: Environmentally preferable all-purpose cleaner in place of harsh chemical cleaners.
We have at least:: We have at least:
1 plant per 5 people in our workspace.: 1 plant per 5 people in our workspace.
1 plant per 2 people in our workspace.: 1 plant per 2 people in our workspace.

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Members of our team are aware of Columbia's transportation demand management options for sustainable commuting alternatives, such as carpool/vanpool, bicycling, and transit news. Information about the applicable programs (including bike maps, car share info, etc.) is displayed permanently in the workspace and/or we send out reminder e-mails at least once per semester.: Members of our team are aware of Columbia's transportation demand management options for sustainable commuting alternatives, such as carpool/vanpool, bicycling, and transit news. Information about the applicable programs (including bike maps, car share info, etc.) is displayed permanently in the workspace and/or we send out reminder e-mails at least once per semester.
At least 10% of our employees choose a sustainable commute mode.: At least 10% of our employees choose a sustainable commute mode.
10% of our employees are enrolled in the below programs: National Bike Challenge, Zagster Bike Share, Citibike, 511 NY Rideshare, guaranteed ride home program, zipcar.: 10% of our employees are enrolled in the below programs: National Bike Challenge, Zagster Bike Share, Citibike, 511 NY Rideshare, guaranteed ride home program, zipcar.
We have had at least three people from our team submit transportation commute stories and shared them on our social media channels (tag Columbia University Environmental Stewardship and and link to transportation.columbia.edu).: We have had at least three people from our team submit transportation commute stories and shared them on our social media channels (tag Columbia University Environmental Stewardship and and link to transportation.columbia.edu).
We offer telecommuting opportunities and/or flexible schedules so workers can avoid heavy traffic commutes.: We offer telecommuting opportunities and/or flexible schedules so workers can avoid heavy traffic commutes.
The following % of our team has filled out Columbia's transportation survey:: The following % of our team has filled out Columbia's transportation survey:
at least 50%: at least 50%
75% or above: 75% or above
When planning work-related travel, we consult Columbia's transportation website to explore greener transport options.: When planning work-related travel, we consult Columbia's transportation website to explore greener transport options.
When traveling between campuses, we use the intercampus shuttles.: When traveling between campuses, we use the intercampus shuttles.

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We have participated in or will host our own power-down/Earth Hour day or hour in our workspace.: We have participated in or will host our own power-down/Earth Hour day or hour in our workspace.
We have participated or plan to participate in a local, regional, national or international day of action, such as Bike-to-Work Day, Earth Day, etc.: We have participated or plan to participate in a local, regional, national or international day of action, such as Bike-to-Work Day, Earth Day, etc.
We have solicited feedback from team members about green building features we have or could have in our workspace, such as lighting retrofits, occupancy sensors, dual-flush toilet retrofits, aerators on sinks, green cleaning contracts, etc. A member of our team has shared this feedback with our Building Administrator.: We have solicited feedback from team members about green building features we have or could have in our workspace, such as lighting retrofits, occupancy sensors, dual-flush toilet retrofits, aerators on sinks, green cleaning contracts, etc. A member of our team has shared this feedback with our Building Administrator.
We inspired another workspace, _________________________________________, to become a sustainable workspace, and use this list of best practices.: We inspired another workspace, _________________________________________, to become a sustainable workspace, and use this list of best practices.
Someone in our workspace has submitted a story for the Sustainable Columbia newsletter and/or Sustainable Columbia website.: Someone in our workspace has submitted a story for the Sustainable Columbia newsletter and/or Sustainable Columbia website.
We have successfully implemented additional green projects not listed here in our workspace. List/Describe:: We have successfully implemented additional green projects not listed here in our workspace. List/Describe:
We recognize staff members for their environmental stewardship efforts. List/Describe:: We recognize staff members for their environmental stewardship efforts.
List/Describe:

2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards event was postponed indefinitely, and the last few months of the program were abruptly cut short as employees were taken out of the workspaces they were looking to have certified. Given these challenges, 47 teams (just shy of 40% of all teams) still managed to complete and submit their surveys for the earlier part of the year and achieve certification.

2019

On April 12, 2019, the Office of Sustainability recognized participants of the Sustainable Leaders Network Workspace Certification Program at the Campus Sustainability Fair in The Forum. Schools and departments were presented with certificates displaying the level of certification reached during this pilot year of the program.

Butler Hall

Executive Suite - Gold
Strategic Communications - Gold

Campus Services

Environmental Stewardship - Platinum
Executive Suite - Gold

Columbia University Facilities and Operations (CUFO)

Capital Finance and Administrative Support - Gold
CUFO Human Resources - Gold
CUFO Information Technology - Gold
Finance - Silver

General Studies

Finance / Human Resources - Gold

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences - Green Zone

Journalism

Prizes - Green Zone

Law School

Admissions - Silver
Building Services - Silver
Career Services - Gold
CCSI - Bronze
Communications - Gold
Dean's Office - Green Zone
Executive LL.M. - Silver
Graduate Legal Studies - Bronze
Human Resources - Green Zone
Library - Silver
Social Justice Initiatives - Silver
Student Affairs Administration - Silver
Student Services - Silver

Mailman

Center for Infection and Immunity - Silver
Operations - Gold
Sociomedical Sciences - Green Zone

Physicians and Surgeons

Institute for Genomic Medicine- Gold
Institute of Human Nutrition - Platinum
Office of Development - Silver
Orthopedic Surgery - Green Zone

School of Engineering and Applied Science

APAM - Gold
Chem - Gold
Dean's Office - Gold
EE - Gold

Nursing

Developmental Psychology - Platinum
H.R. and Faculty Affairs - Platinum
Marketing and Strategic Communications - Platinum
Operations - Gold
Scholarship & Research - Platinum
Student Affairs - Platinum
Students - Platinum

School of Professional Studies - Platinum

Studebaker

Columbia University Human Resources - Platinum
Manhattanville Development Group - Silver
SPA - Gold

The Forum

Office of the President - Gold

School of Nursing: Platinum
School of Professional Studies: Platinum
Butler Hall: Gold
Public Safety: Gold
Office of the Executive Vice President for Research, Low Library: Gold
Studebaker Building: Gold
Earth Institute, Hogan Hall: Gold
School of General Studies: Gold
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: Silver
Campus Services: Silver
Facilities and Operations HR/Finance/IT: Silver
School of Journalism: Silver
Law School: Bronze