| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.78 |
| Liaison | Amber Saxton |
| Submission Date | Sept. 1, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
George Mason University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Mary
Liang Sustainability Analyst Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1: Institution-Wide Policies
Yes
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
George Mason University (Mason) has Green Purchasing Guidelines. Additionally, Mason is a state institution of higher education within Virginia and as such follows and implements Executive Orders enacted by the Governor of Virginia. Executive Order 20 (2014): Advancing Equity for Small, Women, and Minority Owned Businesses addresses strategies to advance race- and gender- neutral businesses.
Part 2: Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Yes
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
Institution employs LCCA as a matter of policy and standard practice when evaluating all energy- and water-using products, systems and building components
A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
In 2013, George Mason University (Mason) incorporated Environmental Standards into its Design Information Manual. This document provides guidance on Mason's environmental goals, priorities, and minimum requirements for teams building or renovating on Mason's campuses. Within sections 1.5 and 3.4 of that document, it states that the university expects its Design Teams will propose practices, technologies, and designs that are based on life cycle cost analysis and support efforts to mitigate Mason’s current and future impact on the natural environment.
Mason Facilities manages the planning, construction, operations, and maintenance of all of Mason's campuses and increasingly employs life cycle cost analysis in its decision making process that incorporates first costs and costs for operating and maintaining the products through its life cycle.
Part 3: Commodity-Specific Sustainability Criteria
To count, the criteria must address the specific sustainability challenges and impacts associated with products/services in each category, e.g. by requiring or giving preference to multi-criteria sustainability standards, certifications and labels appropriate to the category. Broader, institution-wide policies should be reported in Part 1, above.
Chemically Intensive Products and Services
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
Mason employs a green purchasing guideline which specifies cleaning solvents shall be biodegradable, phosphate free and citrus based where their use will not compromise quality of service, such as Green Seal or Safer Choice certified products.
Construction and Renovation
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for construction and renovation products:
As part of our commitment to climate neutrality, George Mason University has made a commitment to build all new buildings and renovations to a minimum of U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or Virginia Energy Conservation and Environmental Standards (VEES). In Mason's Design Information Manual, it also outlines criteria for sustainable purchasing in construction and renovation projects.
Information Technology (IT)
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for IT products and services:
As stated in Mason's Green Purchasing Guidelines, purchasers will purchase or lease energy efficient products, such as Energy STAR, EPEAT, or Federal Energy Management Program certified products.
Food Services
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food services:
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Garments and Linens
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
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Professional Services
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:
George Mason University (Mason) is a state institution of higher education within Virginia. As such, Mason follows and implements executive orders enacted by the Governor of Virginia. Executive Order 20 (2014): Advancing Equity for Small, Women, and Minority Owned Businesses that addresses strategies to advance race- and gender- neutral businesses. Where it is practicable for any portion of the awarded contract to be subcontracted to other suppliers, the contractor is encouraged to offer such subcontracting opportunities to small businesses.
Transportation and Fuels
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
George Mason University's has a vehicle use policy which covers all the golf carts utilized on campus. The Procedure for Motorized Utility Vehicles (MUVs) requires only electric-powered MUVs should be purchased, unless prior authorization is granted due to specific needs. The policy can be found at: http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Policy-1131-MUV-Procedures1.pdf
Wood and Paper
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for wood and paper products:
As part of George Mason University's Green Purchasing Guidelines, 30% post-consumer recycled paper is the standard for all applications where quality of service or the health and safety of employees is not compromised.
Other Commodity Categories
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for other commodity categories:
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Optional Fields
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Information is from FY17.
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.