Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 47.82
Liaison John Stolz
Submission Date March 4, 2022

STARS v2.2

Duquesne University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.50 / 3.00 Brianna Marks
Graduate Assistant
Center for Environmental Research and Education
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have written policies, guidelines, or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across multiple commodity categories institution-wide?:
Yes

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?:
Yes

Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
Institution employs LCCA less comprehensively, e.g. for certain types of systems or projects and not others

A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:

During FY21, a life cycle cost analysis was conducted by the University to evaluate the decision to connect the future College of Osteopathic Medicine to the Clearway District Energy System for heating and cooling utilities, in lieu of constructing stand-alone heating and cooling plants in the building.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services?:
Yes

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://portal.duq.edu/web/home/index?search=/duqcentral/protected/intranet/search.jsp?query=sustainability

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?:
No

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?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
---

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) and equipment?:
Yes

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):

https://www.duq.edu/about/campus/computing-and-technology-services/policies/service-requirements/computer-purchase-and-replacement-service-requirements


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food service providers?:
No

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?:
No

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?:
No

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?:
No

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.