City University of New York, Brooklyn College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

State agencies and authorities are required to purchase commodities, services, and technology that meet the approved green procurement specifications. Executive Order 4, established the creation of green procurement lists and specifications of commodities, services, and technology for use by state agencies during a procurement. The specifications identify product criteria that will: reduce health & environmental risks; minimize the risks of the discharge of pollutants & the volume and toxicity of packaging; plus maximize the use of recycled content and sustainably managed resources; and provide other environmental and health benefits.

3.2 Supplier Diversity ‐ MWBE / SDVOB
The University takes an active approach to diversifying our supplier base and encouraging purchases from NYS‐certified minority and women‐owned businesses (MWBE) and NYS‐certified service disabled veteran owned business (SDVOB). The University sets annual MWBE and SDVOB participation goals and each campus is required to make a good faith effort to achieve these goals. End‐users should consider NYS‐certified MWBE and SDVOBs in their purchases during any preliminary outreach.

For additional information on CUNY’s Supplier Diversity program, visit www.cuny.edu/selltocuny. The NYS MWBE Directory can be accessed on https://ny.newnycontracts.com/ and the NYS SDVOB Directory can be accessed on www.veterans.ny.gov/business.

None

5.11.5 Contractor must use and maintain all cleaning agents in compliance with
all applicable Laws.
5.16.2 Contractor will use only non-toxic, bio-degradable cleaning products such
as Eco-Lab brand, that meet Green Seal, Inc. or equivalent environmental
standards.

In accordance with NY State OGS specifications and regulations:
This multi-state contract covers certain cleaning supplies that comply with the requirement of Chapter 584 of the Laws of 2005 directing state agencies to use environmentally preferred cleaning products; State Education Law 409-I, and State Finance Law 163-b directing public and non-public elementary and secondary schools in New York state to use environmentally sensitive cleaning and maintenance products. It is also consistent with Executive Order 4 directing agencies to green their procurements.

Procurement of recycled, reusable, and biodegradable products—as well as products designed to have minimal impact on the environment, such as energy-efficient computers and copiers—will enhance sustainable practices at CUNY.

Brooklyn College is addressing these issues by:

making a strong effort to purchase recycled or reusable products, including:
copy and computer paper; paper towels, tissue paper, and toilet paper;
toner cartridges; cardboard boxes and other packaging supplies; and
janitorial and cleaning accessories, such as buckets, pails, and mops.

https://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/initiatives/initiatives/sustainability/action/pillars/procurement.php

Additionally as a NY state institution we follow following OGS specifications for all office paper.
White Copy Paper
The following specific actions are necessary when purchasing white copy paper.
All white copy paper purchased by each affected entity shall be composed of 100% PCRC and all white copy paper shall be process chlorine-free unless such products do not meet required form, function or utility, or the cost of the product is not competitive.

Other Paper Products
The following table displays the minimum required specifications and the stricter, preferred purchasing standards to meet when purchasing other paper products such as: non-white copy paper, manila file folders, legal pads, post-it notes, envelopes, map paper, and other office paper products.

Minimum required standards Encouraged Standards
Recycled content Contain at least 30% PCRC Have 50-100% PCRC or have 100% total recycled content, including at least 30% PCRC
Chlorine content Be elemental chlorine-free Be process chlorine-free
Third-party certifications N/A Have Green Seal or Forest Stewardship Council certification
PVC content Be PVC free N/A

Publications and Vendors
All affected entity publications and vendors shall be in compliance with the above standards to the maximum extent practicable. Where paper products of this caliber are not available, or does not meet required form, function and utility, paper procurements shall use PCRC and be chlorine-free to the extent practicable. Non-recycled content shall be derived from a sustainably managed renewable resource to the extent practicable, unless the cost of the product is not competitive.

Packaging
Packaging shall comply with Environmental Conservation Law section 37-0205. Packaging shall not contain inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, or any other additives to which any lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium is intentionally added or contain incidental concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium which together are greater than 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%).

New York State encourages affected entities to adopt the following in order of preference when purchasing items that come in packaging:

Items that do not need packaging, or the packaging is part of the product.
Items that come in reusable packaging.
Items that come in bulk packaging.
Items that come in innovative packaging that reduces the amount of packaging.
Items that come in packaging that remains the property of the supplier and does not become the property of the end user under any circumstance or condition. The vendor shall certify that the packaging material will be reused, recycled, or composted, and managed in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Items that come in packaging that maximizes recycled or biodegradable (compostable) content and/or meets or exceeds the minimum post-consumer content level for packaging in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. Biodegradable products should only be used in areas where a composting facility exists that accept the material.
Items that come in Packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable (compostable). Biodegradable products should only be used in areas where a composting facility exists and will accept the material.

https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/copy-paper-and-paper-supplies

Surplus Furniture

Affected entities are encouraged to consider surplus property before purchasing furniture from other sources. NY State Finance Law Article 11 § 167 regarding surplus property requires NYS Office of General Services to redistribute furniture that it receives as surplus, before utilizing take-back, recycling, or other options for disposition of any units that are still in operable condition. This standard requires transfer of usable equipment to other state agencies, education institutions and municipalities, prior to declaration of equipment as surplus or waste. Guidelines for registering for and handling surplus property can be found at: State Surplus Property Program

Refurbished Furniture

Entities are encouraged to consider refurbished furniture to the maximum extent practicable without jeopardizing the performance or intended end use of the product. Refurbished or remanufactured furniture is required to be restored to original performance standards and functions, meeting the requirements of this specification to the extent possible.

New Furniture

If it is determined that new furniture needs to be purchased, the following requirements shall be met.

Materials

Furniture can be made of many materials including wood, plastic, plastic composite, aluminum, and steel. Affected entities shall purchase furniture products that meet at least one of the performance areas (High Recycled Content, Sustainably Sourced, Low Emitting) per the criteria outlined below. To the extent that purchasers are procuring furniture that falls within the scope of emission testing protocols they are encouraged to procure furniture that meets the Low Emitting standard below.

High Recycled Content - To meet High Recycled Content, contractors shall certify in writing the minimum percentage, if not the exact percentage, of total recycled content, as well as the amount of post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content present in the product. Furniture shall:
contain at least 20% post-consumer recycled or remanufactured content by weight OR
contain at least 30% total recycled content by weight OR
be BIFMA Level Certified at level 1, 2 or 3, with Scorecard provided that shows at least one point for Credit 5.7, Recycled Content.
Sustainably Sourced - To be considered sustainably sourced the furniture product must be at least 30% wood by weight. All wood shall meet the following criteria. Wood-based materials shall be originally sourced from forestlands participating in an acceptable system or program which certifies sustainable forest management, as determined by the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, or his/her designee. Acceptable systems or programs must include the following:
adherence to management practices which conserve biological diversity, maintain productive capacity of forest ecosystems, maintain forest ecosystem health and vitality, conserve and maintain soil and water resources, and maintain forest contribution to global carbon cycles;
independent third-party auditing that monitors, measures and reports compliance with system or program principles and guidelines; and
documentation verifying that the wood-based products used have been obtained from lands enrolled under or participating in an acceptable certification system or program. Examples of approved certification organizations are FSC and SFI.
Low Emitting - Many adhesives, paints and finishes used in, and on, furniture release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be hazardous to human health. To promote healthy indoor air quality, Low Emitting furniture shall be:
GREENGUARD Gold Certified OR
SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certified OR
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold or Platinum Certified (or achieve Gold or Platinum status under the C2C Material Health category) OR
BIFMA Level Certified at level 1, 2 or 3, with Scorecard provided that shows credit for 7.6.1 and 7.6.2, Low Emitting Furniture.
Disassembly and Recyclable Materials - Purchasers are encouraged to request information on the disassembly and the amount of material in the furniture that can be recycled.

Chemical Content

All new furniture shall meet the following standards:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - shall contain less than 1% of PVC by weight, excluding electrical components. Purchasers are encouraged to select furniture where electrical components are free of PVC, if available.
Lead - shall contain no intentionally added lead, excluding motorized parts and electronics.
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFC) - shall contain no intentionally added PFCs used as stain, water, or oil resistant treatments.
Formaldehyde - all composite wood materials, including hardwood plywood, particleboard, or medium density fiberboard, used in furniture shall comply with Phase 2 of California's Code of Regulations, Title 17 §93120.2 – Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products.
Added antimicrobials - shall be free of any added or built-in chemical antimicrobials. Antimicrobials added to raw materials for the sole purpose of preserving the product are allowed if needed to meet form, function, and utility of furniture. However, even in these cases triclosan and triclocarban shall not be used and any added antimicrobial must comply with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Phthalates - purchasers are encouraged to purchase furniture free of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnPP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP).

The State's Interagency Committee on Sustainability and Green Procurement (Interagency Committee) has developed a list of chemicals that pose potential harm to human health and the environment. Further, the Interagency Committee has developed a formal position that consideration of these chemicals shall be made in green procurement. As such, entities may also request specific chemical information and may make a comparison between manufacturers based on the amounts of the following chemicals of concern that are in the products: 1,2-Dichloroethane, 2,2 bis(Bromoethyl) 1,3 propanediol, 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether, Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Acetaldehyde, Benzo (g,h,i) perylene, Carbon tetrachloride, Chloroprene, Ethylene dichloride (1,2 Dichloroethane), Fluorene, Pentachlorobenzene, , Phenanthrene, Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Propylene oxide, Pyrene, Silica, Crystalline (respirable size), and Toluene Diisocyanate.

Flame Retardants

Purchasers of upholstered furniture shall consult with applicable fire codes and agency policies to determine whether the furniture purchase needs to comply with California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (TB 117-2013), California Technical Bulletin 133 (TB 133), or ASTM E1537.

To the extent that applicable fire codes and agency policies allow, agencies shall purchase upholstered furniture that complies with TB 117-2013. For upholstered furniture compliant with TB 117-2013, furniture shall be free of intentionally added flame retardant chemicals, excluding electrical components. Further, all upholstered furniture complying with TB 117-2013 shall be labeled consistent with the manner described in Section 19094 of the California Business and Professions Code as of September 1, 2016, and shall be labeled as not containing flame retardant chemicals.

Upholstered furniture complying with TB 133 or ASTM E1537 shall only be purchased when specifically required by applicable fire codes or agency policy. For upholstered furniture compliant with TB 133 or ASTM E1537, furniture shall be free of intentionally added halogenated flame retardant chemicals, excluding electrical components. Additionally, it is encouraged to procure upholstered furniture made with non-halogenated flame retardants that have been fully assessed using GreenScreen v1.2 or newer and meet the criteria for benchmark 2, 3, or 4. Also, purchasers are encouraged to have the manufacturer identify which components of the furniture contain added flame retardant chemicals and provide information on the flame retardant chemicals used.

For the purchase of non-upholstered furniture and other furniture that does not need to comply with TB 117-2013 or TB 133, furniture shall be free of intentionally added flame retardant chemicals, excluding the inclusion of flame retardants in electrical components and those required to meet electrical codes. In those cases where non-upholstered and other furniture require the use of flame retardants to meet electrical codes (such as moveable walls or system panels) purchasers are encouraged to avoid products with added halogenated flame retardant chemicals. Also, purchasers are encouraged to have the manufacturer identify which components of the furniture contain added flame retardant chemicals and provide information on the flame retardant chemicals used.

For all furniture purchases where the inclusion of electrical components is required to meet form, function and utility, purchasers are encouraged to avoid products with electrical components that contain intentionally added halogenated flame retardant chemicals.

New York Environmental Conservation Law §37-0111 recognizes that brominated flame retardants constitute substances hazardous to the environment, and prohibits any person to manufacture, process or distribute in commerce a product, or a flame-retardant part of a product, containing more than one-tenth of one per centum of pentabrominated diphenyl ether (pentaPBDE) or octabrominated diphenyl ether (octaPBDE), by mass. These flame retardants shall not be present in furniture in concentrations greater than those specified in New York Environmental Conservation Law §37-0111.

Packaging
Packaging shall comply with Environmental Conservation Law section 37-0205. Packaging shall not contain inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, or any other additives to which any lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium is intentionally added or contain incidental concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium which together are greater than 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%).

New York State encourages affected entities to adopt the following in order of preference when purchasing items that come in packaging:

Items that do not need packaging, or the packaging is part of the product.
Items that come in reusable packaging.
Items that come in bulk packaging.
Items that come in innovative packaging that reduces the amount of packaging.
Items that come in packaging that remains the property of the supplier and does not become the property of the end user under any circumstance or condition. The vendor shall certify that the packaging material will be reused, recycled, or composted, and managed in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Items that come in packaging that maximizes recycled or biodegradable (compostable) content and/or meets or exceeds the minimum post-consumer content level for packaging in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. Biodegradable products should only be used in areas where a composting facility exists that accept the material.
Items that come in Packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable (compostable). Biodegradable products should only be used in areas where a composting facility exists and will accept the material.

https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/furniture

All Computers and Displays are required to have achieved Bronze registration or higher in the EPEAT system in the United States and must meet or exceed the restriction for the use of cadmium. Packaging shall comply with Environmental Conservation Law section 37-0205. When replacing equipment, affected entities should work to evaluate available trade-in options. Contractors are required to offer programs that include take-back or trade-in, and proper environmental disposal of equipment. State agencies are reminded to follow the surplus property redistribution law before utilizing take-back, recycling, or other options for disposition of any units that are still in operable condition.

6.3.6 Machines must be user-friendly and EnergyStar qualified.

https://ogs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/11/computers-and-displays-specification.pdf

5.5.1 Quality. Whenever possible, Contractor must provide locally grown/produced
meat, dairy, and produce and/or organic food in conjunction with a plan to
remain ecologically sustainable.

5.9 Supplies. Contractor must provide at no cost to Corporation all supplies
necessary for Food Service Operations, including but not limited to display,
specialty equipment and overhead lighting bulbs, paper goods (subject to
sustainability requirements in Section 5.17), cleaning products and other
expendables, in sufficient quantities and of appropriate quality to ensure proper
food preparation and handling and efficient Food Service Operations.
5.11.2 Contractor must:
(A) comply with all applicable Laws regarding rubbish and recycling;
(B) provide and maintain a sufficient number of appropriate
receptacles, with liners (3 Mil or approved equal), for disposal of
rubbish related to Food Service Operations, including receptacles
for customer recycling of cafeteria rubbish. Receptacles should be
placed in areas highly visible to customers;
(C) provide or subcontract for carting and disposal services for rubbish
and recycled materials. Such services shall be subject to approval
by the College.

5.16 Sustainability. Contractor acknowledges that in June 2007 CUNY's Chancellor
Goldstein accepted Mayor Bloomberg's challenge to the City's colleges and
universities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2017, and that
CUNY is committed to incorporating sustainability into the fabric of the University.
Contractor further acknowledges that on April 24, 2008, Governor Paterson
issued Executive Order Four that requires CUNY to develop and implement a
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Program that is designed to
reduce the environmental impact of the activities and operations of the
University. Contractor agrees to assist CUNY in achieving its sustainability goals
by carrying out the activities described below, as well as through such other
activities and programs that the Contractor may implement:
5.16.1 Contractor will purchase goods and services for Food Service Operations
locally and use organic products whenever possible. "Locally" is defined
as within a one hundred (100) mile radius of Manhattan. Contractor will
also use local distributors whenever possible. Contractor commits that
during the first year of this Contract at least ten (10) percent of all food
products used in connection with Food Service Operations will be locally
grown or manufactured, and that this shall increase to at least twenty (20)
percent during the next four years of the Contract.
5.16.2 Contractor will use only non-toxic, bio-degradable cleaning products such
as Eco-Lab brand, that meet Green Seal, Inc. or equivalent environmental
standards.
5.16.3 Contractor will not use Styrofoam cups, plates or other products in Food
Service Operations. Contractor will phase out use of non-recyclable, non bio-degradable plastics and other to-go disposables in Food Service Operations, with a goal of implementing a full line of biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable service ware by June 2018.
5.16.4 Contractor will recycle glass, plastic, paper and metal from Food Service
Operations consistent with New York City laws and a Corporation and
College-approved recycling plan (see also Section 5.11.2).
5.16.5 Contractor will phase out the use of non-sustainable napkins, and other
paper goods, including janitorial supplies, with a goal of replacing them
with unbleached, 30% post-consumer recycled products by January 2018.
5.16.6 Contractor will recycle used cooking oil generated by Food Service
Operations for conversion into bio-diesel.
5.16.7 In general, whenever possible, Contractor will monitor waste, monitor
consumption, reduce multiple chemical uses, limit excess use of
electricity, use biodegradable packaging, work with vendors to limit the
amount of deliveries, and incorporate LEED practices.
5.16.8 All new equipment purchased by Contractor for use in Food Service
Operations, will be energy efficiency rated.
5.16.9 Contractor will promote minimal supply product usage in all dining
operations. '
5.16.10 Contractor will invest in purified drinking water filtration systems as
an alternative to pre-packaged bottled water.
5.16.11 Contractor will hold a two-day, open-air farmer's market each
semester of the term of the Contract, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables
for sale from regional farms.
5.16.12 Contractor will work with its waste management contractor to
develop specific and measurable programs for composting, recycling and
landfill reduction.
5.16.13 Contractor will develop a proactive website and communication
system to significantly reduce printed paper in its campus communications
and information systems.
5. 16.14 Contractor will work with the relevant College constituencies
regarding sustainability issues, including the College's Sustainability
Council, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, and Student
Government.

8.2 Contractor must use best efforts to comply with energy conservation measures
by turning off or down (including low-power mode) lights, fans, ovens, steam
equipment, vending machines, and other energy consuming items, when the
Food Service Locations are not in use or when business volume dictates a
reduction in the use of Utilities. Equipment use shall be planned and equipment
not "warmed up" or charged if it is not expected to be used during that day or
period.

All entities shall ensure that all recyclable waste generated from garment cleaning, such as thin-film plastic garment covers, is recycled. Clean their garments that require professional cleaning with a method that does not use perchloroethylene (PERC) or use a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation approved alternative solvent.

https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/garment-cleaning

3.2 Supplier Diversity ‐ MWBE / SDVOB
The University takes an active approach to diversifying our supplier base and encouraging purchases from NYS‐certified minority and women‐owned businesses (MWBE) and NYS‐certified service disabled veteran owned business (SDVOB). The University sets annual MWBE and SDVOB participation goals and each campus is required to make a good faith effort to achieve these goals. End‐users should consider NYS‐certified MWBE and SDVOBs in their purchases during any preliminary outreach.

For additional information on CUNY’s Supplier Diversity program, visit www.cuny.edu/selltocuny. The NYS MWBE Directory can be accessed on https://ny.newnycontracts.com/ and the NYS SDVOB Directory can be accessed on www.veterans.ny.gov/business.

All purchase or lease vehicles which have a fuel economy in the top 30% of their vehicle class as listed under EPA size class, do not purchase vehicle wheel weights or automatic/continuous wheel balancers containing intentionally added lead or mercury.

https://employees.brooklyn.edu/files/2023/03/Summary_Purchasing_Guidelines.pdf