Green Events Certification

At Lafayette, we are focused on building a sustainable campus and community that contributes to a better future, where resources are shared fairly, and the well-being of the planet are prioritized. We have set two primary goals to achieve this purpose: reach carbon neutrality by 2035 and divert 40% of waste from landfills by 2030 (and 60% by 2035). Committing to environmentally friendly action in your events is a crucial step toward helping Lafayette reach these goals. Students, faculty and staff can play a part every day by assessing their actions and learning new ways to employ more sustainable practices. Events are one area that campus can take action to make an impact.

Events of any size from any Lafayette department or student organization can acquire a Green Events Certification! We can support all event organizers on our campus as they work to implement as many actions listed on the Green Events Certification Checklist as possible. 

Larger events may require more one-on-one consultation to ensure sustainability practices are feasible. Reach out to sustainability@lafayette.edu to schedule a consultation.

The length of your certification process will vary depending on the size of your event. For all clubs, departments, and organizations, completing the application should take a maximum of 30 minutes, even if you spend considerable time evaluating whether your event can implement each action. 

The amount of time it takes the Office of Sustainability to respond to your submitted application can vary due to various factors. For smaller events, approximately 50 individuals or fewer, you can expect to receive an email from us within two weeks. For events hoping to include composting, the Green Events process may take longer because you will continue to communicate with our office after hitting the submit button on the application to ensure we can assist you. In this case, you should aim to submit your Green Events application four weeks before your event. Furthermore, more extensive events working on a longer time scale may wish to apply well before their event if they wish to use it in advertising. For example, planning Alumni Weekend is a huge endeavor, and to include a GEC certification in advertising, it may make sense to submit the application months in advance. We encourage you to apply sooner rather than later since more time will allow the Office of Sustainability to work with you.

Each sustainable action on the Green Events Application corresponds to a specific number of points. For an event not providing food, you must earn at least 14 points to receive your certification. For an event providing food, you must earn at least 30 points to receive your certification. Once someone at the Office of Sustainability has reviewed your application, you will hear from the Office of Sustainability about next steps.

There are three tiers that can be achieved with the Green Events Certification.

The first is Bronze. If your event will not have food, a minimum of 14 points must be reached. If your event does have food, you must acquire at least 30 points.

Next up is Silver. If your event will not have food, a minimum of 16 points must be reached. If your event does have food, you must acquire at least 32 points.

The last level is Gold. If your event will not have food, a minimum of 18 points must be reached. If your event will have food, you must acquire at least 34 points.

Earning the title of Zero Waste Event indicates your organization has committed to creating absolutely no material waste, whether from advertisement, food/catering, or other categories. For designation as a Zero Waste Event, you must select various options on the Application that illustrate your support for this goal. You can find these options easily, as we have marked them with an asterisk and the phrase “This action must be fulfilled to be considered a zero-waste event.” You must only complete the marked actions if applicable to your event; otherwise, you may select “Not Applicable,” and your event will still receive Zero Waste Event Certification. However, you will not receive Zero Waste Certification if you choose “No” for any marked actions. Please do not hesitate to email us at sustainability@lafayette.edu with any questions.

We’re excited to let you know that we are now using reusable certificates! This approach is part of our commitment to sustainability, helping to reduce waste while still providing you with a valuable record of your achievement. You’ll also be able to access your certificate digitally, making it easier and more eco-friendly for everyone.

If your organization is interested in trying to earn a higher certification level, the Office of Sustainability can help you determine how to implement additional sustainable actions if time allows. For example, if either your organization or our intern team recognizes that your event is only a couple of points away from a gold certificate, we can collaborate to find a way to make your event a little more sustainable. Unfortunately, your event might not always be able to move up a tier. However, if this is the case, you can still work to improve and reach higher tiers in future events by continuing to develop your skills and meeting the criteria for advancement. We’re excited to see your progress!

Please reach out to sustainability@lafayette.edu if you have questions or need assistance.

If your event cannot receive full certification, there are still many meaningful ways to prioritize sustainability. For example, many departments and organizations rely on sharing swag and merchandise to engage with the Lafayette community. This can still be done sustainably! Here is a helpful guide from Williams College outlining ways to make giveaways more environmentally friendly.

If you would like personalized advice on how your organization can promote sustainability, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@lafayette.edu—we are always happy to help!