| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.84 |
| Liaison | Noah Upchurch |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2024 |
Catawba College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 3.00 |
Noah
Upchurch Senior Sustainability Specialist Center for the Environment |
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:
The College has begun evaluating decisions for large energy-using systems on campus buildings with life cycle cost analysis provided by CMTA energy solutions.
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:
The College has a stated preference for products that adhere to the list of AASHE-recognized green labels for chemical and other cleaning and sanitation products.
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:
The College has a stated preference for 100% postconsumer certified content or tree-free paper.
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:
From Catawba College's Agreement with DLR Group on Sustainable Furnishings and Furniture:
"The Sustainability story at Catawba College compliments the DLR Group Sustainable and Healthy Initiatives. At DLR Group, we too 'believe that the small actions taken by each one of us day after day add up to make a big difference' (from Catawba’s Sustainability Page). Building systems such as high performing envelope materials, efficient HVAC, LED lighting and the implementation of alternative energy sources help to make buildings sustainable, long lasting and result in higher ROI. Interior finish materials also have an environmental impact.
Along with the pledge to source sustainable, environmentally friendly, or even environmentally positive materials, DLR Group has signed the AIA Healthy Materials Pledge. This pledge challenges firms to specify products that have a positive impact on human health, climate health, the economy, our ecosystem and promote social heath and equity.
The Catawba College Interior Standards will stay true to our joint sustainability story and begin to introduce healthy materials to the campus. Through verified documentation such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) we can keep track with these efforts and educate end users on the impact of a building on the environment, economy and equity.
Within the specified products for the Interior Standards, DLR Group has worked with Catawba College to identify manufacturers that share these values and would be good long-term partners. For example, Interface has a carbon neutral and carbon positive carpet tile. Duracryl is a manufacturer of liquid linoleum which is a non-toxic alternative to poured epoxy flooring. OFS Brands furniture source their wood veneers from their own maintained forest and replenish the forest from this harvest as well as a carbon offset from their travel.
There are many unique and inspiring stories like this that have helped to curate a palette of aesthetically unique, sustainable, healthy and brand positive finishes as well as a variety of furniture pairings."
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:
The College has a stated preference for all new information technology materials orders to be at least EPEAT silver products.
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:
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:
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:
In the procurement of new and rental vehicles, the College will not procure internal combustion engine vehicles, unless it has been proven that no such alternative exists that can meet the needs of the College. This process is run in tandem with the College's Development office, which assists in the purchase of new electric vehicles as necessary.
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.