Sustainable Event Certification
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 short 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! In our guide, you will find a checklist, local restaurants and caterers, giveaway alternatives, and information about carbon offsets.
Don’t want to read the entire guide? Access our most popular sections here:
Sustainable Event Checklist
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)
