Sustainability

ACCAD is participating in the Green Certification program at Ohio State. This web page reminds our community to be proactive in maintaining a sustainable culture at work.Important OSU Sustainability Links

Energy Conservation Policies

Office Space

  • Turn off lights when you leave an area or see an unoccupied area with lights on. Avoid leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms.
  • Leave blinds and/or shades open to allow natural light in. On sunny days, turn off light banks located near windows. Utilize sunlight as opposed to artificial light.
  • Set temperatures to the required maximum heating of 70°F and a maximum cooling of 76°F
  • Space heaters pose significant safety issues and their use is not allowed.
  • Shut windows tightly to prevent air leaks.
  • Close blinds at night to trap in warm air and keep out cold (winter) and to trap in cool air and keep out heat (summer).
  • Bring small plants to the office. Plants in the office can improve air quality as well as productivity.
  • Look at OSU Surplus or other suppliers of used furniture before looking to purchase new. Repair or refurbish existing furniture or equipment before purchasing new.

Technology

  • Use video and telephone conferencing to reduce travel to meetings. Participate in meetings remotely and inquire about telephone or video conferencing for meetings when applicable.
  • Electronic waste (E-waste) should not be thrown into the trash, including electronic devices such as used computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, and all power cords. Any working or non-working electronic devices should be sent to Surplus for resale or recycling. All batteries should be disposed of through Environmental Health & Safety (292-1284).
  • Used toner and ink cartridges should be sent to Stores for recycling. After going to this web site, click on the link for "Recycled Toner Returns."

Office Supplies

  • Use less paper. Send minutes, memos, and other inter-office communication via email rather than by paper and use online copies of documents rather than printed versions when feasible. Proof drafted documents on the computer rather than printing and reduce margin sizes to limit total paper needed. Do work digitally and take steps to reduce paper use. If applicable, utilize digitized filing.
  • Reuse envelopes and boxes for outgoing mail.
  • Reuse file folders and binders.
  • Share subscriptions to magazines, periodicals, newspapers, and catalogs
  • Use a form letter like Stop Junk Mail to opt-out of unwanted lists rather than continuing to recycle publications.
  • Unwanted materials should be taken to OSU Surplus. OSU Surplus Materials Disposal is responsible for the proper disposal of property, including the sale, donation, scrap, or other disposal of surplus materials in accordance with university policy, the Ohio Revised Code, and applicable federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. Surplus property is defined as “equipment, furniture and other materials/supplies” no longer needed or in active use by the owning department. For more information, see Surplus Materials Disposal and look for the Policy # 4.51.
  • Use rechargeable batteries instead of one-time usage batteries. Recharge batteries in electronic equipment whenever feasible, and keep them properly charged so they are ready for use.

Kitchen

  • Reuse mugs, water bottles, dishes, and utensils instead of disposable items.
  • Please drink tap water or from the water cooler instead of bottled water.
  • Water leaks in pipes, sinks, or toilets should be reported immediately to Facilities, Operations, & Development (292-HELP (or) 292-4357).
  • Practice water-saving by turning off the faucet while soaping hands or scrubbing dishes.

Other

  • Consider using the "Your Plan for Health" program.

ACCAD Future Sustainability Goals

  • Determine, track, and begin to reduce our energy usage
  • Track and reduce garbage generated (vs recycling)

You can Learn more about the Green Certification program by contacting: recycle@osu.edu.