In building a culture of sustainability across campus, the Gold Talon Program was created to help guide students, staff, and faculty in creating healthy, sustainable events and spaces. This three-tiered program recognizes efforts to incorporate the university's mission of economic vitality, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Departments, organizations, and campus office spaces can participate in the Gold Talon Program.
Currently, the Gold Talon Program is accepting applications to certify events, offices, and conferences. The rating system is a way for departments, organizations, and individuals to be recognized for implementing practices and educating their guests on what is possible when creating sustainable spaces.
It's important to remember that this is a tiered recognition system. Blue Talon means that you are contributing to the mission of sustainability on campus through basic everyday choices. Teal Talon shows your stewardship toward sustainability by implementing decisions that might be a challenge, but you're willing to make the choice. And our Gold Talon ranking displays your event, office, or conference as a campus champion for sustainability. Regardless of your ranking, the Office of Sustainability will provide you with a certificate to display that shows your guests that you've chosen to sustain UNCW!
Regardless of the size, the Office of Sustainability can help you make it more sustainable! The Gold Talon checklist and rating system is a way for departments and organizations to gain support, ideas, and recognition for implementing sustainable practices in the planning and execution of events. These events can foster school spirit, promote education, and encourage collaboration. We are happy to work through your event with you and help guide you through your certification.
We spend a good portion of our day in our offices. Having a space that is sustainable makes the hours go by faster! UNCW Sustainability would love to work with you in certifying your office space. We can connect you with UNCW Recycling to make sure your waste diversion is on point as well as help look at the items you purchase to see if there are more sustainable options available. You'd be amazed at what a plant or natural light could do for your space. These are just a few of the suggestions available on the certification checklist.
Our newest addition to the Gold Talon Suite, sustainable conferences are a big undertaking! from waste diversion to marketing swag choices to food options, the Office of Sustainability can help guide to creating a more sustainable conference.
Applying to make your event, conference, or office is easy! Email the Office of Sustainability and we'll schedule a meeting to walk you through the checklist. This consultation is a great way to understand what a sustainable space looks like. Once you've completed your planning, submit the checklist back to us, and we'll score your application and bring you signage to proudly display your Gold Talon Event!