The University of New England is proud to congratulate the Health Promotion Studies department on earning Green Office Certification at Level 2 through UNE’s Green Office Program. This achievement recognizes the department’s strong commitment to integrating sustainability into everyday workplace practices and creating a more environmentally responsible office culture.
UNE’s Green Office Program helps faculty and staff offices evaluate their operations and adopt sustainable actions in areas such as energy conservation, waste reduction, transportation alternatives, leadership, and innovation. Certification levels are based on both participation and points earned through the program’s assessment process, with Level 2 representing a significant accomplishment that reflects broad engagement and measurable progress.
A special thank you goes to Ali Engemann, administrative coordinator for the department, who worked closely with faculty and staff to guide the recertification process. Reflecting on the experience, Engemann shared, “I really enjoyed the assessment tool your team provided. It was a great starting point and gave our team lots of ideas on how to incorporate more sustainable office practices.”
She also noted that the process helped strengthen connections within the department: “Getting recertified also engaged and connected our staff in new ways: we visited the swap shop for the first time, joined in on Earth Month festivities and started attending environmental council meetings.”
Among the accomplishments the team is most proud of are nearly completing every available energy conservation practice on the checklist—with plans to reach 100 percent—as well as implementing several new waste reduction strategies. Engemann highlighted the department’s new battery recycling station and improved signage as especially exciting additions.
The success of Health Promotion Studies demonstrates how thoughtful everyday actions can create meaningful environmental impact while building stronger workplace community. Congratulations again to the department on this well-earned recognition and for helping lead UNE toward a more sustainable future.
