Green Event Certification and Guidelines

• Plan an event that is inclusive and respects the diversity of our university community. When advertising, ensure that all types of people are represented in images (e.g. ability, body size, racial diversity, etc.). See the “strategies for being an inclusive host” tab for further guidance.
• Think green when marketing your event. Use social media and EagleLink to advertise as opposed to printed flyers. If flyers are crucial, consider making half or quarter-sheet flyers to reduce paper use. Be sure to choose recycled content paper.
• Set green goals and ask attendees to participate. For example, you could set a goal to have 50% of attendees travel by walking, biking, shuttle, LeeTran, or carpool. Publicly congratulate those who took action or consider entering those attendees into a prize drawing.
• At or after the event, share success stories photos. Be sure to tag @FGCU_Sustain on Twitter.

• Ensure waste and recycling receptacles are conveniently located and clearly labeled.
• Go paperless by emailing handout materials in advance or print double sided on recycled content paper.
• While the university and its equipment is designed to be energy efficient you can still reduce energy usage by forecasting your energy demand, using natural light and not over-lighting your event, switching off when not in use,  and when contracting entertainment requiring an upfront accounting of energy load requirements to determine what may be minimized or excluded.
• Avoid decorations that will quickly become trash. For tablecloths and centerpieces, get creative by checking out thrift stores, asking to borrow items, or renting. If you host events often, consider purchasing basic linens and centerpieces that you could use over and over again. Do not use balloons, confetti, or glitter. These inevitably wind up outside where they can harm wildlife.
• Avoid prizes and giveaways that will quickly become trash. Less is more. Purchase quality over quantity and do a drawing to choose a winner instead of giving everyone a cheap memento. Choose prizes and giveaways that are truly useful. Consider using energy reducing door prizes such as solar chargers, pedometers, LED bulbs, etc. Better yet, skip the prizes altogether and partner with a nonprofit instead to hold a drive to collect items they need.

• Provide directions inclusive of multiple modes of transit such as carpools, shuttles, LeeTran, and bikes.

2018-19 is the flagship year for the Green Event Certification and Guidelines program at FGCU.

In 2018-19, we have the capacity to accommodate up to approximately 200 guests at once. Requests are taken on a first come, first serve basis. We will expand our capacity to accommodate more guests as demand increases.

We aim to make this possible in the future. Currently, the university cannot monitor external caterers’ ability to offer reusablewares and plant-based menu options. We encourage all event planners to implement the items listed under the “Recommended for all events” tab, to work with caterers to minimize material wastes, and offer plant-based choices whenever feasible.

Try to only buy what your group will eat. If your event is nearing its end time and there is still a lot of food, consider welcoming students and employees in nearby offices to come and eat. Just be sure not to disrupt any classes or meetings that are in progress.