Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 72.07
Liaison Katie Koscielak
Submission Date May 7, 2020

STARS v2.2

Cal Poly Humboldt
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 3.00 Tawny Fleming
Contracts, Procurement & Accounts Payble
Contracts, Procurement & Accounts Payble
"---" 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:

On the Sustainable Procurement webpage for Humboldt State (https://procurement.humboldt.edu/sustainable-procurement), Contracts & Procurement has made the following statement:
"Contracts & Procurement seeks to increase awareness and enable the purchases of products with a reduced or minimal environmental impact as compared to other similar products/services that serve the same purpose.

We recognize the importance of being environmentally conscientious. We will reduce our negative impact on the environment through promoting and educating departments on the importance of selecting sustainable products and services and developing dialogue with our suppliers.

Our suppliers are encouraged to include products that promote environmentally friendly and environmental stewardship in their online product catalog and faculty and staff members are empowered to select environmentally friendly products for their purchase requirements. Our buyers can also help with answering your questions and providing additional information."

This summarizes the campus directive and general purchasing philosophy that all purchasers at HSU are expected to adopt and operate from.

In addition, the campus utilizes a handful of additional policies, guidelines, and directives for sustainable purchasing that are listed below:

- CSU Buy Recycled Policy:
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6599581/latest/
System-wide Policy Statement - Campuses shall establish purchasing practices that assure, to the maximum extent economically feasible, the purchase of materials, goods, and supplies that are recycled or have recycled material within their content. Fitness and quality being equal, purchase preference shall be given to recycled products whenever such products are available and the cost of such products is no greater than that of their non-recycled counterparts

- CSU Sustainability Policy:
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6953280/latest/
Section G, Sustainable Procurement section states:
1) Campuses will promote use of suppliers and/or vendors who reduce waste, re-purpose recycled material, or support other environmentally friendly practices in the provision of goods or services to the CSU under contract. This may include additional evaluation points in solicitation evaluations for suppliers integrating sustainable practices.
2) To move to zero waste, campus practices should: (1) encourage use of products that minimize the volume of trash sent to landfill or incinerators; (2) participate in the CalRecycle Buy-Recycled program or equivalent; and (3) increase recycled content purchases in all Buy- Recycled program product categories.
3) Campuses shall continue to report on all recycled content product categories, consistent with PCC § 12153-12217 and shall implement improved tracking and reporting procedures for their recycled content purchases.

- ICSUAM 5215.00 CSU Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Participation Goals.
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6723576/latest/
The state established a DVBE contracting participation goal of at least three percent (3%). The goal applies to the total contract dollars expended each year by all campuses. This includes all contracts, purchase orders, and procurement card orders.

- ICSUAM 5216.00 CSU Small and Micro Business
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6723534/latest/
The state established a SB/MB contracting participation goal of at least twenty-five(25%). The goal applies to the total contract dollars expended each year by all campuses. This includes all contracts, purchase orders, and procurement card orders.

- Staples Business Advantage $50 Order Minimum (minimum order directive attached): HSU adheres to a requirement by the CSU that all Staples Business Advantage orders meet a $50 minimum, which minimizes shipping, transportation, and associated fuels and emissions from smaller orders.
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/sustainable-procurement (Staples Program info is located towards bottom of page)
https://facilitymgmt.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/purch-staples-auto-sub-announcement.pdf

- HSU Sustainable Purchasing Website:
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/sustainable-procurement
Webpage outlines general campus purchasing culture and the directive that purchases should select environmentally friendly products over others that do not consider environmental preference and provides additional resources.

- Contractors Building Construction, Demolition Waste & Recycling Meeting plans and reports: Forms 017419A, 017719B, 024100A, 024100B
Contractors are required to report reuse, salvage, recycling for crushed base, red clay brick, lighting, fixtures, asphalt, scrap metal, mixed debris from construction sites. Since Procurement and Recycling work hand-in-glove (what we bring onto campus has direct impact to what we dispose on campus), this means that material purchases for construction (and the reuse and salvage of materials wherever possible) are directly related to sustainable purchasing concepts. http://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/cm/forms/#construction

- Dining Sustainability/Reducing Food Waste
https://dining.humboldt.edu/sustainability
https://strategicplan.humboldt.edu/content/reducing-food-waste
Dining takes special pride in purchasing from local vendors.

- ZimRide, JackPass, Zip Car, Ride a Bike, Carpooling, Green Cleaning, Efficient Lighting, Bottled Water, Reusable Office Supplies, Use of Paper, Green Place Work Assessment, PowerSave, Etc.
http://humboldt.edu/greenroom/
Green room behaviors may have bearing on sustainable material purchases.

- Executive Order 987: Policy Statement on Energy Conservation, Sustainable Building Practices, and Physical Plant Management for the California State University
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6589455/latest/

-Single Use Plastics Policy
https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/CSU-Says-Goodbye-to-Single-Use-Plastics.aspx
This policy prohibits the purchase of certain single-use plastic materials over a specific timeline.

-Procurement Card Guidelines: These are guidelines for purchases made by campus community members with their procurement cards. The "Ethics" and "Business Goals" dropdowns are directly related to sustainability policies and guidelines.
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/procard

- Green Events and/or Zero Waste Events
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/green-events-andor-zero-waste-events
HSU is committed to zero waste, a strategy that takes a ‘whole systems’ approach to eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste going to the landfill. Zero waste encourages source reduction, materials re-use, composting and recycling.
Most event organizers at HSU are now making their events zero waste by considering in advance which materials they may buy or source for events that will allow for landfill avoidance through reuse, recycling, and composting.


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 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:

http://www.calstate.edu/eo/eo-987.html
Humboldt State University, planning derives its program policies regarding sustainable business practices from the CSU Chancellor's office Executive Order (EO) 987: Policy Statement on Energy Conservation, Sustainable Building Practices, and Physical Plant Management for the California State University which states, among other things, that sustainable practices, materials, and other considerations be made in the design, construction and operation of buildings and other structures on CSU campuses. While this EO primarily indicates consideration of measures to conserve water and energy, it also expressly indicates that materials and equipment with long life cycles should be used as well as sustainable building products.

The CSU's Sustainability Policy also speaks to energy conservation, on-site and renewable power generation goals and to elaborate on sustainable building design practices. CSU has committed its self to sustainable building practices by incorporating the local geography in building design, minimizing operating costs maximizing energy and water efficiency, and choosing materials and systems who's total life cycle, from manufacture to replacement, minimize environmental impacts.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:

While HSU does not have a clearly stated written guideline about procurement of chemically intensive products and services, we do heed sustainability considerations for cleaning and sanitizing at the campus. See http://www2.humboldt.edu/green/features/operations.php for a statement on this practice. Scroll to the Buildings heading on the page, statement about Janitorial products is posted as: "The HSU janitorial staff uses Green Seal Certified and non-toxic, biodegradable products for cleaning buildings."

Furthermore, the areas of campus performing custodial functions have control of their chemical purchasing and managers for that department have designated specific products meeting their objectives for reducing environmental impacts from cleaning chemicals by using the indicated percentage of Green Seal and EcoLogo products (indicated in OP 13). Chemicals are bought in bulk form thereby minimizing packaging, but use either automated mixing equipment or manufacturers specified dilution ratios for individual containers. As noted in OP 13, Custodial Managers have made the directive that all cleaning products except for one mildew remover and one disinfectant in showers must be "green" certified, and all janitorial paper products are "green" certified except for toilet seat covers, which the University hopes to replace with a "green" product in the near future.

At this time, there are no landscaping or grounds directives or policies about evaluating sustainability criteria when sourcing chemicals for their operations.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating consumable office products?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:

The CSU Sustainability Policy & the Integrated CSU Administrative Manual (ICSUAM) establishes Environmentally Preferred Purchasing and Use practices that are applicable to all California State Universities.
Specifically, the CSU Contracts and Procurment Policy (https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/7865355/latest/) lists in Section IV. Sustainable Procurement, policies regarding specific directives and specific products, including: a) adherence to the CSU Buy-Recycled Products Campaign, and b) elimination of CSU Single-Use Plastics. Both apply directly to consumable office products.

In addition, Humboldt State University has a 100% Recycled Paper Policy: https://policy.humboldt.edu/required-use-chlorine-free-100-percent-recycled-or-100-percent-agricultural-waste-fiber-paper

-Executive Order 987 (referenced above)
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6589455/latest/
This policy refers to energy using equipment, requiring products that meet efficiency and environmental standards.

-ROSE (Reusable Office Supply Exchange)- https://wrrap.humboldt.edu/content/rose
This is a program of the Waste Reduction Resource Awareness Program, whereby office supplies are donated and made available to campus stakeholders for free (thereby demonstrating availability of recycled, reused, and salvaged materials over buying new). While not a policy or directive, it is a resource supporting sustainability purchasing practices at HSU.

- Staples Business Advantage Sustainable Auto-Sub Program
https://facilitymgmt.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/purch-staples-auto-sub-announcement.pdf
The Staples auto-sub program replaces items in purchaser cart with green alternatives automatically. Specifically, the CSU requires that all Staples Business Advantage orders meet a $50 minimum, which minimizes shipping, transportation, and associated fuels and emissions from smaller orders.


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:

While the campus does not publish sustainability criteria persay for furniture and furnishings, there are practices that are routinely adhered to that privilege selection of materials having sustainability qualities. For example, furniture vendors the campus works with carry a number of third-party verified certifications when it comes to sustainability. The manufacturers provide life cycle assessment, materials chemistry, and end of use strategies for each product/material they use. Companies that we use the most, Steelcase, Coalesse and KI have manufacturing plants in the United States.

Specifically, when selecting upholstery for a piece of furniture, campus designers/architects review the rub-rating. It is very rare that we would select a fabric with less than 100,000 double rubs. The reason behind this goes back to selecting products and materials with longevity with the intent to extend the life of each product used on campus.

In addition, Humboldt State University Planning & Design group derives its program policies regarding sustainable business practices from the CSU Chancellor's office Executive Order (EO) 987: Policy Statement on Energy Conservation, Sustainable Building Practices, and Physical Plant Management for the California State University states, among other things, that sustainable practices, materials, and other considerations be made in the design, construction and operation of buildings and other structures on CSU campuses. CSU has committed to sustainable building practices by incorporating the local geography in building design and choosing materials and systems who minimize environmental impacts. Furniture is one integral element of design so this policy is directly applicable.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) and equipment?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:

All computing equipment available for staff to purchase from the menu of options on the pre-approved list (link below) meet the University's goal of purchasing equipment that is Energy Star and/or Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated, where applicable. While there is not a formal written statement to this end, this is the practice. It is the University's formal preference to only purchase computing equipment that meets EPEAT ratings. For more information about EPEAT, and to search the EPEAT registry of devices please visit the EPEAT website.

https://its.humboldt.edu/computers-printers-phones/computer-purchasing-staff-faculty
Pre-approved materials list: https://hsu-forms.humboldt.edu/itpurchasing/pre-approved


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:

HSU does not publish sustainability criteria for food service providers, but does document several practices demonstrating that sustainability is a key value of the Dining Services Procurement process.

To read more, see:
https://dining.humboldt.edu/sustainability
http://www2.humboldt.edu/bagel/
HSU Dining Services works closely with the Humboldt County chapter of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers to increase local food options and solidify relationships with local vendors and farmers. The result has been that during the North Coast’s growing season—roughly April to October—between 50 to 100 percent of produce at HSU is local and organic.

Green/Zero Waste Events - Events at HSU are encouraged to be Green/Zero Waste. Rules for vendors detailed in link.
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/green-events-andor-zero-waste-events

https://strategicplan.humboldt.edu/content/reducing-food-waste
Humboldt State University committed to reducing food waste with the introduction of a broad food waste program in Fall 2016. With staff in the Office of Sustainability and Dining Services, food waste and food-soiled paper from all campus eateries, including the Jolly Giant Commons cafeteria, the South Campus Marketplace, and the Depot food court are now being collected for compost and diverted from the landfill stream. The Food Waste Diversion Program involves a 20-cubic-yard composting bin called the BioBin, and is installed near the J cafeteria. The Biobin allows the campus to collect all food products (both pre- and post- consumer), including meat, and dairy. The bin is then transported to a local worm farm for processing. The expanded program is expected to handle as much as 280,000 pounds of food waste per year. All campus food vendors and and event planners are encouraged to divert food waste from the landfill stream to either the campus Food Pantry (when edible) or to the compost stream (when not-edible).

-Single Use Plastic Policy-
This policy prohibits the provision of single use plastic bags, styrofoam, water bottles, and straws, among other "single use plastic items" by CSU campuses over a timeline of the next few years. These materials directly apply to Dining Service expenditures.
https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/CSU-Says-Goodbye-to-Single-Use-Plastics.aspx


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating garments and linens?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:

Under Section H "Prohibited Practices" of the CSU Contracts & Procurement Policy, there is a statement regarding garments and linens called "Prohibition of Labor Abuse" which says:
"All CSU contracts for the procurement or laundering of apparel, garments or corresponding accessories or the procurement of equipment, materials, or supplies, other than procurement related to a public works contract, shall require the contractor to certify that it has maintained a 'sweat-free' workplace in compliance with Public Contracts Code Section 6108 and that they adhere to the Sweatfree Code of Conduct as set forth by the California Department of Industrial Relations."
See CSU Sweatfree Code of conduct. https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/7865355/latest/#autoid-2yrak

Futhermore, while it does not meet the criteria here, it is worth mentioning that the CSU has a Master Enabling Agreement (MEA) with Mission Linen for use of kitchen towels, shop towels, rags, etc. and that within this agreement there is Mission Linen Sustainability statement. This sustainability statement is as follows:
Sustainability, Leading the Way from the Very Beginning
At Mission, our commitment to sustainability has been an important part of our business plan since the very beginning. Our company was built on our ability to give organizations the opportunity to rent and “re-use” textiles, providing them with a cost-effective and earth-conscious approach to doing business. Today, our passion for preserving our environment is present in everything we do, and goes beyond just the products we offer.
Mission has been developing, building and implementing water reclamation services throughout industrial laundries since 1970. We are recognized as an industry leader when it comes to retrofitting our existing plants with wastewater pretreatment systems, water reclamation systems and energy efficient equipment.
Our engineering staff consists of 11 employees who design, build and maintain machines, buildings and systems that process X number of the garments, linens and products that we deliver to nearly 40,000 customers annually. This dedicated team never stops looking for new and better ways to conserve our natural resources and make a positive impact on the communities where we live and work.

Mission Linen's sustainability statement is also published on their website and is available at: http://www.missionlinen.com/sustainability/

Attached to our contract with Mission Linen (and all other services and commodities) are the CSU General Provisions (http://www.calstate.edu/csp/crl/gp/gp.shtml) which contain a provisions about:
Item 34 Nondiscrimination
Item 37 Forced, Convict, Indentured and Child Labor
Item 38 Recycled Content Certification


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional service providers?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:

http://www.calstate.edu/csp/crl/gp/gp.shtml
In all CSU General Provisions is a provision
44 for DVBE and Small Business Participation
34 Nondiscrimination
37 Forced, Convict, Indentured and Child Labor
38 Recycled Content Certification

Executive Order 987: Policy Statement on Energy Conservation, Sustainable Building Practices, and Physical Plant Management for the California State University
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6589455/latest/


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:

HSU adheres to a requirement by the CSU that all Staples Business Advantage orders meet a $50 minimum, which minimizes shipping, transportation, and associated fuels and emissions from smaller orders. (referenced above and attached in Part 1)

CSU Sustainability Policy states:
"The CSU will encourage and promote the use of alternative transportation and/or alternative fuels to reduce GHG emissions related to university associated transportation, including commuter and business travel. (14-New)"
Facilities Operating & Management; SUAM Section VIII
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6637418/latest/
State and Federal Fleet mandates:
1.Federal Energy Policy Act – 75% alternative fuel light-duty vehicles1 a.AB 32's Bio-energy Action Plan requires 50% of the above 75% light-duty vehicles to be flex fuel2.

2.10% of all light-duty fleet purchases by campuses and CSU shall be zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) in FY 2017/18, increasing by 5% annually through FY 2024/2025 to a total of 50% of light duty fleet vehicles purchases. For the purposes of this section, ZEVs are fuel cell vehicles (FCV), battery electric vehicles (BEV).

The intent of this section on replacement standards is to save the University money by reducing the total cost of ownership of fleet assets, increase program efficiency by reducing vehicle downtime, and further environmental sustainability efforts through the reduction state fleet petroleum consumption.


Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable procurement program or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.