| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 49.34 |
| Liaison | John Stolz |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2021 |
Duquesne University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.25 / 3.00 |
Gabriella
Zuccolotto Graduate Assistant Center for Environmental Research & Education (CERE) |
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:
Duquesne University supports Green Purchasing, upholding the philosophy of a Green Campus by assessing the environmental impacts of incoming commodities and outgoing waste. We encourage vendors to minimize waste, reduce excess packaging, recycle, reduce, reuse, prevent pollution and/or offer resource efficiency. It is our goal to maximize environmental responsibility on the University Campus.
This policy is located in Duquesne University's Intranet Page for Finance and Business at:
https://portal.duq.edu/duqcentral/protected/intranet/administration-and-offices/finance-and-business/finance-and-business-office/controllers-office/procurement-and-payment-services-/policies-and-procedures/organization-and-objectives.jsp
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:
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:
As part of its responsible environmental stewardship efforts, Duquesne University has implemented a selection process that limits the VOC levels of the cleaning products, paints and other chemicals purchased by the University. An estimated 80% of the cleaning products used on campus are environmentally friendly, with low or no VOC content.
https://duq.edu/Documents/sustainability/_pdf/sustainability-report.pdf
Licensed and trained employees inspect campus lawns and plants daily and utilize adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in ornamental beds and lawn areas. Problem areas are treated with chemicals if significant concern rises for the health of the plant. The grounds crew uses a tree injection system, which treats our trees systemically, rather than spraying chemicals into the air.
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:
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:
Duquesne University's fiscal and environmental responsibility purchases for our campus require the combination of performance, cost and green design. Green product design means that all stages of a product’s life cycle are developed to minimize negative environmental impact, including the products’ disposal. For example, office furniture and carpeting are considered in light of their recycled content, optimum safety standards and eco-friendly opportunities for recovery, reuse or recycling. Eco-friendly packaging also is considered at the time of purchase, as many materials used in the packages can be harmful to the environment. Examining the life cycle of the products we purchase is a way to prevent what we buy today from ending up in a landfill tomorrow and is another effort we take on.
Duquesne University's Facilities Website hosts the following policy: We will ensure that current new construction and renovation of existing space include sustainable design. We will manage these projects in a manner that provides the best combination of sustainable design and economic benefit to the University.
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:
All computer purchases must conform to a set of University-specified standard models, including a preference for EPEAT Certification as established and quoted by the CTS computer store. (University-specified standard models are identified in Appendix B. These standards will change periodically and current standards can be determined by contacting the CTS Computer Store). The CTS Computer Store will assess employees' computing needs in consultation with the employee/department and will provide basic standard computing resources or will address the exceptions identified below or other specialized needs that have been approved through the Computer Purchase Exception Form (Appendix C):
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:
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.