| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.79 |
| Liaison | Megan Litke |
| Submission Date | March 6, 2020 |
American University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Courtney
Stoner Sustainability Analyst Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have written policies, guidelines, or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across multiple commodity categories institution-wide?:
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
Does the institution employ Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) when evaluating energy- and water-using products and systems?:
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
Life Cycle language is written in the American University design standards. Energy modeling and LCCA's must be performed for all high energy use equipment.
https://www.american.edu/finance/facilities/upload/au-design-standards-2019.pdf
Life Cycle language can also be found in the Procurement & Contracts Policy and Guidelines: http://www.american.edu/policies/upload/Procurement-and-Contracts-Policies-Procedures-Guidelines.pdf
"American University is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for its employees, students and visitors and managing the University in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner. PCD works with the Sustainability Department to encourage the use of products that minimize adverse environmental and health effects and take into consideration costs associated with full product life cycles."
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
Complete published Green Cleaning Policy (includes: high performance cleaning program, sustainable cleaning products, materials and equipment, indoor chemical and pollutant source control, floor cleaning and cleaning chemical safety): https://www.american.edu/policies/upload/Green_Cleaning_Policy-508SIG.pdf
The university also practices Integrated Pest Management throughout campus. Natural pest prevention strategies are prioritized and chemical pesticides are used only as a last resort after other options have been exhausted.
https://www.american.edu/about/sustainability/buildings/
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating consumable office products?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
Guidelines for Wood and Paper can be found in the AU Sustainable Purchasing Policy: http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=2010993
The term “ongoing consumables” refers to low-cost-per-unit materials that are regularly used and replaced through the course of daily business operations. These products may include, but are not limited to: printing and copying paper, notebooks, envelopes, business cards, sticky notes, paper clips, toner cartridges, and batteries. American University’s goal is that at least 60% of the cost of goods purchased will comply with one or more of the following criteria:
Contains at least 10% post-consumer and/or 20% post-industrial material
Contains at least 50% rapidly renewable material (e.g., bamboo, cotton, cork, wool)
Contains at least 50% materials harvested and extracted and processed within 500 miles of the facility
Consists of at least 50% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper products
Rechargeable batteries
The standard for lighting on campus is LEDs for all renovation and new construction.
The Green Office program has guidelines on consumable office products at each level of certification.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating furniture and furnishings?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
Guidelines for Facility Alterations, Additions Requirements and Furniture can be find in the AU Sustainable Purchasing policy: http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=2010993
Other guidelines for construction and renovation can be found in the American University Design and Construction Standards: http://www.american.edu/finance/facilities/upload/American-University-Design-and-Construction-Standards-05-03-16.pdf "Furnishings shall contain the maximum amount of recycled content allowed that retains material integrity, contains as much locally harvested and processed or extracted and processed(within 500 miles) material, rapidly renewable material, and FSC-certified content as feasible. Any adhesives/sealants must comply with the maximum allowable VOC requirements as defined by SCAQMD. Composite and agrifiber products must contain no added urrea formaldehyde resin limits, as applicable."
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) and equipment?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
Published guidelines for electronics and appliances purchasing can be found in the Sustainable Purchasing Policy: http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=2010993
The goal is that at least 40% of the cost of goods purchased with comply with one of the following criteria: Energy Star labeled products(when available), Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tools(EPEAT) rated products(at least bronze level). The equipment replaces conventional gas-powered equipment, i.e. maintenance equipment and vehicles.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food service providers?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating garments and linens?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
Published within AU's Sustainable Purchasing Policy, apparel must be sourced from apparel suppliers who conform to the Fair Labor Association's code of conduct and who have been included in the Designated Suppliers Program by the Worker Rights Consortium, if applicable. The policy can be found here: http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=2010993
This requirement is also listed in the Trademark Usage Policy: https://www.american.edu/policies/marketing-communications/upload/trademark-usage-policy.pdf
"All products bearing the Marks must be manufactured by companies who agree to abide by the standards of the Workers Rights Consortium Code of Conduct and the Fair Labor Association."
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional service providers?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
The Procurement and Contracts Procedures and Guidelines supports small businesses, as well as Certified Business Enterprises in the District of Columbia:
"PCD actively works to support the University's commitment to provide equal opportunities through contracting and individual order opportunities for small businesses. Purchasing makes every effort to ensure the University includes the maximum practical number of small businesses in the competitive bidding process in compliance with local, district and federal laws and regulations. PCD seeks appropriate opportunities for local, small, and disadvantaged business participation through the development mutually beneficial business relationships, while also educating the University community about American's requirements in this area. PCD seeks businesses which are Certified by The District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development."
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
From the sustainable purchasing policy, "American University’s goal is that at least 40% of the cost of goods purchased will comply with criteria including that the equipment replaces conventional gas-powered equipment, i.e. maintenance equipment and vehicles."
http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=2010993
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable procurement program or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.