| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.28 |
| Liaison | Michelle Seppala Gibbs |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2023 |
Hope College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Michelle
Gibbs Director Office of Sustainability |
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:
https://hope.edu/offices/business-services/employee-resources/expense-resource-stewardship-policy.html
EXPENSE AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP POLICY
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
As trusted stewards of Hope's institutional assets, we use the College’s financial resources to further the mission of the College drawing on our strategic priorities as a guide. We are mindful that the primary sources of revenue come from students, their families, and friends of the College.
We use the College’s resources with integrity, in a manner that is wise, fair, honest, transparent, and ethical. We seek to achieve the highest overall value per dollar, considering financial and nonfinancial aspects of each transaction.
While the policy was developed in the spirit of good practice and good stewardship, we recognize not every situation employees face in regards to spending will be covered in detail in this policy. If you encounter decisions or questions around spending or approvals that are not covered directly in this document, please contact Business Services. We are committed to operating within the guidelines of this policy, IRS regulations, and the law.
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY
To guide employees, the stewards of Hope College’s resources, to appropriate resource-related behaviors that support the College’s mission through relevant Guiding Principles, Policies, and Procedures.
GREEN PURCHASING
Hope College endorses “Green Purchasing” and is committed to the use and purchase of environmentally and socially responsible products and services. Departments are expected to support this initiative in accordance with the guidelines located at the Campus Sustainability website.
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:
While it is not a formal policy it is part of our institutional culture to make consideration the life cycle cost as part of our stewardship of resources.
This comes into play during projects like equipment and lighting purchases.
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:
Yes for cleaning products and pest control management products.
For example as part of our Green Cleaning Policy it has a statement about procurement.
"At least 30% (by cost) of the total annual purchase of the following products will meet will be made using the sustainability criterion established in LEED for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance 2009, IEQ Credit 3.3:
Green Cleaning – Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials:
• Cleaning materials & products
• Disposable janitorial paper products
• Trash bags
Cleaning equipment purchases will meet sustainability criterion established in LEED for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance 2009, IEQ Credit 3.4: Green Cleaning – Sustainable Cleaning Equipment.
Cleaning equipment will comply with the sustainability criterion. We will protect worker safety and improve productivity with mechanical equipment designed for ergonomics, low sound emissions, and reduced environmental emissions. Documentation of equipment purchases and maintenance will be maintained."
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:
Hope College makes it a priority to purchase sustainably sourced furniture from local sources. We are blessed to have many commercial furniture manufacturer options in the West Michigan area with BIFMA LEVEL certified products. Preference is given to furniture sources that consider the following: Wood or other materials that come from renewable sources, minimal chemical inputs that could potentially harm the environment, and local material and/or manufacturing to save on transportation.
https://hope.edu/offices/physical-plant/sustainability/index.html
To date 70% of all campus furniture meets this criteria and any future large project will follow LEED practices and will meet BIFMA standards.
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:
We do not currently have a published sustainability criteria for evaluating our IT equipment. It is something our CIT department is interested in learning more about.
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:
Hope College works with Creative Dining Services (CDS) to provide on campus dining. Hope College is a 40% owner in this company and therefore we do not issue RFPs for the service or have a detailed contract. Instead, we use our ownership influence and CDS board membership to set the direction for the company. This includes the following;
Our Core Values:Integrity. Creativity. Flexibility. Sensitivity. Family. Sustainability.
Our Vision:To be the most trustworthy, flexible and attentive hospitality partner.
Our Mission:We relentlessly strive to provide clients with fresh, sustainable, innovative, customized hospitality experiences, operating with integrity and working in open and trusting relationships.
Our Founding Philosophy & Pledge-Creative Dining Services is a hospitality management company. We are a team of professionals dedicated to providing our customers quality products at a fair value along with excellence in standards of service. We will work in partnership with our clients to achieve their goals as a part of their community. Our clients and employees are our greatest assets; without either, we would not exist as a company. We will strive to listen, respond to their needs, and provide growth opportunities for both. We will conduct our business according to Christian values and principles. We serve your diners with the finest selection of high-quality products at the best value while maintaining the strictest food safety standards. We pledge, as guests in your facility, to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and cleanliness.
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Through CDS a program focused on sourcing and purchasing was created and is called FARMSTEAD™. "FARMSTEAD™ allows us to work collaboratively with local and regional growers, producers and food hubs who typically experience limited access to extended markets. Through our proprietary FARMSTEAD™ program, we partner with 52 farms, food hubs and farmers markets across six states, and our program is still growing! Creative Dining supports local agriculture and gives small, family-owned producers the ability to market their meats, cheeses, and produce. Following safe and fair rules of engagement, we leverage our direct purchasing program so that our chefs can use the freshest, locally grown ingredients."
FARMSTEAD™ Features:
Direct Trade to Farmer
Food Hubs
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Farmers Markets
Minimum Grading Requirements (USDA Grades)
Animal Welfare Policy
https://creativedining.com/sustainability/sourcing-purchasing/
Animal Welfare Policy
Our approach to responsible sourcing includes a commitment to using only humanely-produced animal products. Our policies cover a range of animal welfare issues, and we continually assess industry progress, working with our supply partners to achieve our animal welfare goals.We also recognize the health, environmental and economic benefits of vegetable-centric cuisine, which is why we’re working with the Humane Society of the United States and have signed the Forward Food Pledge to expand and measure our programming in the menuing of non-animal products.
https://creativedining.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CDS-Animal-Welfare-Policy-v06.2022.pdf
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:
Within our "Physical Plant Custodial Uniform Policy" the following statement is included in the "Scope and Goals" section.
"to prioritize the purchase of staff uniforms from companies that sustainably and responsibly produce apparel and other goods. Preference shall be given to suppliers and their business partners who respect fundamental individual and employee rights and are committed to adopting responsible practices."
We have recently switched to Cintas for physical plant uniforms:
https://www.cintas.com/company/esg/
and for our laundry and dry cleaning of linens and uniforms we use a local cleaner which has a commitment to sustainable practices.
https://www.sheldondrycleaners.com/ecotouch
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:
GREEN PURCHASING
Hope College endorses “Green Purchasing” and is committed to the use and purchase of environmentally and socially responsible products and services. Departments are expected to support this initiative in accordance with the guidelines located at the Campus Sustainability website.
https://hope.edu/offices/business-services/employee-resources/expense-resource-stewardship-policy.html
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.