Sustainable Student Organization Certification

Evaluate your organization’s written constitution. Does it specify a commitment to social impact, environmental stewardship or financial stewardship?

• Does your student organization have a sustainability chairperson?
• Has your leadership and/or member training included education about your organization’s environmental/social commitment?
• Does your organization encourage members and/or set aside time in meetings to take the Sustainability Orientation module on REPORTER?
• Are members encouraged to subscribe to the Sustainability at NC State e-newsletter?
• Does your organization encourage other student organizations to attain certification?

When hosting events, does your organization incorporate event planning tips from the Wolfpack Certified Sustainable Events website?

• Has your organization applied for a Sustainable Events Certification for an on-campus event?
• Does your student organization host sustainability-related events/programs?

Does your student organization participate in NC State’s Earth Day Fair or other Earth Month events?

Does your student organization participate in sustainability-related service opportunities?

Do members utilize alternative transportation to events and meetings, including walking, biking, busing or carpooling?

• Does your organization host virtual meetings to minimize transportation energy use?
• Does your organization encourage walking meetings to promote wellness and creative problem-solving?

Does your student organization recognize the importance of diversity education in relation to sustainability by encouraging members to subscribe to the Diversity Digest e-newsletter and partner with and/or attend events hosted by

• Women’s Center
• GLBT Center
• African American Cultural Center
• Multicultural Student Affairs

When planning events, programs or initiatives, does your student organization seek to include multiple, diverse perspectives by actively collaborating with other groups, organizations or disciplines?

Does your student organization keep sustainability in mind for purchasing decisions, such as 

• Borrow Instead of Buy. Rent, share or borrow items when possible.
• Shop Savvy. Go to the NC State Waste Reduction and Recycling Office (WRR) or NC State Surplus Sales for gently-used school supplies in lieu of purchasing new products.
• Do Your Homework. Research the environmental and social responsibility features of purchased products.
• Seal of Approval. Look for sustainability-related certifications on purchased products such as Forest Stewardship Council, Green Seal, Green Guard, Cradle to Cradle, Energy Star or EPEAT.
• Think Ahead. Purchase reusable, recyclable, compostable/bio-degradable or products with high “post-consumer” recycled content.
• Buy in Bulk. Limit packaging by purchasing items in bulk or items with minimal packaging.
• Buy Local. Choose local products to support the local economy and reduce travel emissions.
• Cater Better. Make sustainable choices, such as locally sourced food products and minimizing waste, when providing food at organization meetings/events.

Does your student organization encourage member engagement in waste reduction practices through the following actions? Select all that apply.

• Members have taken the Recycling 101 module on REPORTER
• Members have taken the Composting 101 module on REPORTER
• Members have taken the Zero Waste at NC State module on REPORTER
• Members have attended a waste presentation provided by Waste Reduction & Recycling staff

Does your student organization promote sustainable printing/paper use practices by educating members to engage in the following actions? Select all that apply. 

• Print Less. Share electronic files instead of printing a document when possible.
• Double Up. Print double-sided when possible and use one-sided sheets for note-taking.

Does your student organization minimize food and food-related waste by encouraging members to engage in the following actions?

• Use a reusable bag when shopping and bring your own reusable mug, water bottle, cup, dishes and eating utensils to meetings/events.
• When planning events, utilize reusable items such as cups, plates and utensils. If one-use items are necessary, recyclable or compostable items are utilized, which can be requested through Waste Reduction and Recycling.
• Minimize food waste at meetings/events with appropriate food planning. Plan for leftovers by providing take-home containers for guests and/or having a food-donation option ready.
• Request compost and recycling Clearstreams from Waste Reduction & Recycling for events on campus to divert waste responsibly.

Be Well. Does your student organization support Wolfpack Be Well initiatives by engaging members on topics such as emotional well-being, stress management, sleep or time management?

Eat Well. Does your student organization support Wolfpack Eat Well initiatives by providing healthy food and drink options at organization meetings/events?

Live Well. Does your student organization support Wolfpack Live Well initiatives by engaging members on the importance of balancing social, community, career and physical health?

Move Well. Does your student organization support Wolfpack Move Well initiatives by engaging members on physical activity benefits or participating in group fitness challenges?