Bentley University
IN-2: Innovation 2

Bentley's Student Eco-Reps created a Green Certification Program for faculty and staff offices and for student groups. The Eco-Reps serve as sustainability consultants, conducting sustainability audits of departments or student groups, identifying areas that the department or group is already excelling in and those in which they could improve, and making recommendations. Departments and groups are rated on items like recycling, double-sided printing, opting for electronic communication over printing flyers, and ensuring that all lights are turned off at the end of the day. At the conclusion of the audit the quantitative ranking allows the Eco-Reps to rate a department or student group "seed", "sapling" or "tree" (tree being the most sustainable). The green certification project was promoted widely and was noticed on social media by a Bentley alumni working at a prominent Boston-area hotel. The alumni was leading the hotel's sustainability committee on site and was looking for a way to advance the program. She invited the Eco-Reps to conduct an audit of the hotels operations and report on results. Ten students served as sustainability consultants for the hotel and received wide recognition for their efforts.

The Eco-Reps have completed certifications for 12 Student Groups and 9 campus departments. Student groups are given water bottles and a gift card for ranking highly in the program. Departments are given a plaque to display in their offices and a letter from the president commending them for participation.