| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.94 |
| Liaison | Yumiko Jakobcic |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2021 |
Grand Valley State University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.50 / 3.00 |
Yumiko
Jakobcic Campus Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainability Practices |
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:
Supplier Diversity Outreach
Striving to maintain a diverse resource of qualified vendors in our procurement process is fundamental. Therefore, we value the partnerships already established and welcome the opportunity to develop new successful business relationships. To assist in achieving the goals of our Supplier Diversity Program, GVSU is affiliated with the following organizations:
APACC (Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce)
CEED (Center for Empowerment & Economic Development)
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
MMSDC (Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council)
WMPPA (West Michigan Public Purchasing Alliance)
SBTDC (Small Business and Technology Development Center)
WBEC-Great Lakes (Women's Business Enterprise Council)
E&I (Educational and Institutional) Cooperative Services
University projects address environmental standards whenever possible. For example, guidelines for furniture include regionally sourced/manufactured materials, documentation that wood materials come from sustainably managed forests, and sustainable practices used within overall manufacturing/office practices as part of its evaluation criteria. It also includes other sustainability-related requests, such as using blanket-wrapped delivery instead of cardboard/packaging.
University projects are also required to be bid in under the Prevailing Wage Law, Act 166 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1965.
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:
GVSU's energy and water manager includes all costs when evaluating the best options.
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:
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:
Paperless processes are preferred, but when that is not possible, the following attributes are prioritized when specifying paper for printed communications:
Domestically manufactured
Paper that is manufactured with paper fibers from certified sustainable forests (Forest Stewardship Council or Sustainable Forestry Initiative)
Emissions-free renewable energy used in the manufacturing of the paper or carbon neutral paper
Elemental chlorine-free (ECF)
Alternative fiber paper
Carbon neutral paper
Paper from mills that have received third party certifications such as Green-e, Green Seal
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:
Sustainability is one of the evaluation criteria included in RFPs for furniture and furnishings:
Sustainability (including but not limited to regionally sourced/manufactured materials, documentation that wood materials come from sustainably managed forest, and sustainable practices used within overall manufacturing/office practices)
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 IT Technology Supply Office in the Information Technology department handles procurement of all computer equipment with University funds. Our staff works to ensure that equipment purchased is compliant with the latest policies, guidelines, and security features to meet the technology goals of the University.
University guidelines are that all computer equipment is EPEAT certified. EPEAT is the leading global ecolabel for the IT sector. The EPEAT program provides independent verification of manufacturers’ claims and the EPEAT online Registry lists sustainable products from a broader range of manufacturers than any comparable ecolabel. GVSU utilizes EPEAT as part of its sustainable procurement decisions.
In addition, we strive for printers with FSC or SFI certification, aqueous coating instead of petroleum-based varnish, and vegetable-based inks.
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:
Franchisee Guidelines: All sub-contracted foodservice providers of Campus Dining must, at a minimum, comply with Campus Dining’s guidelines with respect to composting food waste and providing compostable or otherwise recyclable service ware. Also, in an effort to reduce the need for materials management operations in Campus Dining cost centers, additional consideration for procurement and contracts shall be given to vendors who offer materials reduction programs (i.e. take-back options or reusable pallets) that enable Campus Dining to make progress toward meeting its zero waste goals.
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:
The RFPs discuss LEED certification and administration:
With sustainability in the building industry being at a high priority for the University, it is important to the University to LEED certify this building. The design firm will be required to LEED certify under LEED 4.0 for New Construction with an option of using LEED 4.1 for New Construction if it is adopted in time for this project.
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.