What Have You Done for Me Lately?

When I think about the Berkeley I started working at almost 15 years ago, I am continually amazed at how far we have come in those few years.  I know others are thinking the additional campuses, the success of degree programs, restructuring and all the things we have done to make this institution great. 

Of course none of that is what I am thinking of. I’m just referring to the leaps and bounds we have made toward sustainability! 

• We signed on to the New York City Mayors Carbon Challenge in 2007 and have reduced our carbon emissions by 17% since joining. 
•  A Community Garden was created at Woodland Park where employees can grow vegetable, herbs and flowers. I’m certain students can get involved too, just ask around.
•   In July 2009, President Cortes signed the American Colleges & Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment Challenge (ACUPCC), pledging to help Berkeley College make steps toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
• I could be here all day talking about the retrofits to all of our campuses; new energy saving windows and lighting, changing thermostat settings, recycled products in construction and low VOC paint.  (One campus had a large enough drop in energy use after a retrofit, the energy supplier called to see if they shut down!)
• Vending machines and photocopiers have been replaced with low energy machines that go into energy saving mode when not in use.
  

  

  Photo courtesy of Berkeley College/VIA

• Since 2005, the Pharos print system has resulted in a 60% decrease in paper use.
• Our office supplies even arrive in reusable totes and recycled options are always recommended when ordering.
• All computers are now set to shut down at night. 



Photo courtesy of Berkeley College/VIA

• Our bookstore now sells reusable water bottles, travel mugs and reusable, recycled bags. 

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• Payroll has gone green and paperless.
• Our waste management provider converts waste to alternative fuels.
• Courses in Sustainability are now offered like Sustainable Solutions, Green Marketing, Sustainable Enterprise Management and & Sustainable Design.

Photo courtesy of Berkeley College/VIA

• Water filtration stations are now at all campuses, providing you with pure water.  Not only do you get purified water for free, it has saved countless plastic bottles from heading straight to the landfill.

Why do I choose this time to do a little retrospective on some of the things we have done in 15 years? 

• Is it because I am feeling nostalgic?  ....  No. 
• Is it because I have already run out of sustainability ideas to talk about? Definitely not!  I actually already have the next one ready.
• Is it because I want you to know about all the things we have done.... Possibly, but that is not the real reason.

The real reason is that I recently heard a terrible number here at Berkeley and that number was 10%.

Ten lousy, measly percent.

What is that number? 

The number of people who have signed up to get their W2 paperless.  As an online bill fan, I found it shocking that the number was so low.  Not to mention the fact that if you get the e-version you can download it right into TurboTax or right to your tax preparer!  Honestly people, are you really still walking around with those little pieces of paper?

Here is the mission I ask of you…. In thanks of all that Project Greenpath and Berkeley College have done to make a difference to help you… take 5 minutes and sign up in the next few weeks!  Please!  If you work somewhere else, talk to your boss about paperless W-2s.  If you don’t, irritate a Berkeley employee to do it.  Let’s get prepared for a better, healthier, greener 2014!

~Harste

p.s.  Here are the instructions you need from Sarai to get it done!

If you already receive the electronic only W-2, and wish to continue in this manner you do not need to take any further action.

If you would like to change your option from last year or if this is your first W-2 from Berkeley College, please follow the instructions below:

Instructions:
Logon to your UltiPro Home Page at:  https://berkeleycollege.ultipro.com

Under Myself, shift the cursor to "Pay", and then to "W-2".  On the right hand side of the screen you will see a caption that reads
"Things I Can Do".

Select the "Change W-2 Consent " Form

Select either the first or second option under the "Information" box, then select the "save" button at the center of the page.

If you have any questions or would like any assistance with this procedure please feel free to contact the Payroll Department either by e-mail at Payrolldepartment@berkeleycollege.edu, or by phone.

If you are not able to log on to Ultipro, please reach out to the Help Desk at ext 1540