Sustainable Events
ESF encourages and reward campus events – functions that engage students, faculty, staff or the public – that are sustainable from planning to execution.
ESF community members can earn recognition for their commitment to hosting sustainable events. Events attaining certain thresholds of sustainability can be awarded “Certified” or “Platinum” event status.
Does my Event Qualify for Certification?
For an event to be certified through the Sustainable Events Program, the events needs to engage the entire campus community. This includes functions that engage students, faculty, staff, or the public outside of the host’s Office, Department, Division or student organization. An internal gathering, meeting, celebration, etc. for any Office, Department, Division, or student organization would not qualify for a Sustainable Event Certification (but still can reference the guide or form to make more sustainable choices).
A seminar hosted by an academic department that primarily attracts students and other faculty members within that department, but is open to all, is considered an event.
Recurring student association meetings where only club officers and members are in attendance are not considered campus events.
Maybe?
If you are unsure if your function can be certified, please contact the Office of Sustainability for clarification.
Ready to apply for certification?
Complete the form below at least two weeks before your event.
If approved, you will receive marketing materials to advertise your sustainable efforts to event attendees and the campus community. Single or recurring events of any size can be certified. Please note: Compliance with ESF’s Green Purchasing and Break Free From Plastic Policy and Executive Order 22 (Ban of Plastic Water Bottles) is a prerequisite for certification.
Resources
Designed for events of any size, ESF’s Sustainable Event Certification program makes it easy! Check out these resources on local restaurants and caterers, giveaway alternatives, and information about carbon offsets, which can also be found in the certification form.
Carbon Offsets and Water Restoration
Sustainable Catering
Alternative Giveaways
Let's Discuss
Request a meeting with the Office of Sustainability to discuss ideas and options to get your event certified.
Certification Levels
Your event can earn two levels of certification:
Sustainable Event Certification
Achieve 40% or more of the applicable points with,
at least one point in 4 categories.
Platinum Sustainable Event Certification
Achieve 70% or more of the applicable points,
with at least two points in 5 categories.
Past Sustainable Events
Certified
CNY Youth Climate Summit (2023)
EcoReps Sustainable Cooking Night (2022)
Thank Goodness Its Almost Over (2022)
Shrekbuster (2022)
Accepted Student Reception (all 2023 & 2024 events)
Snacks and Sustainability (2023)
Graduate and Professional School Fair (2023)
EcoReps Tote Bag Decorating (2023)
DEC at ESF Day (2023)
CNY Youth Climate Summit (2023 & 2024)
CNY Conference on Environmental Science & Studies (2023 & 2024)
Platinum
Study Abroad Fair (2022)
Locally Sourced Conference (2022)
Homecoming (2022)
Campus Crunch (2022)
December Soiree (2022)
Friendsgiving (2023)
EcoReps Self-Care Fair (2023)
Career and Internships Fair (Fall 2023)
Sustainability Action Plan Social (2024)
Career and Internships Fair (Spring 2024)
Reusable Plate Program
![Oakie's Green Team [logo]](/sustainability/assets/oakies-green-team.jpg)
Hosting an event with food? Reusable plates, cups, and utensils are available through
the Reusable Plate Program (RPP) and can accommodate events of up to 275 people, depending
on the items requested. This program is brought to the campus community by the Mighty
Oak Student Assembly (MOSA) and Oakie’s Green Team (OGT).
Students, faculty, and staff can use the program, as long as the dinnerware is reserved ahead of time and washed after the event. Instructions on how to use the dishwasher in Marshall 003 can be found in the RPP Guide. Review the RPP Guide and reservation calendar before reserving your dinnerware. Please note that you must complete a Return Form upon event completion. Visit the Materials & Purchasing page for more information about ESF's zero waste programs and visit the Green Purchasing and Break Free from Plastic Policy page to learn more about our push to rid campus of single use plastics. While single use compostable products are able to be purchased and used on campus, we heavily prioritize the use of reusable dinnerware above all else!
Baker 408 is also equipped with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and reusable dinnerware. Please note that these amenities are only available for use in relation to events held in Baker 408, pending proper approval.