Cal Poly Humboldt
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

On the Sustainable Procurement webpage for Cal Poly Humboldt (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."

The Campus further describes its directive and general purchasing philosophy that all purchasers at Cal Poly Humboldt are expected to adopt and operate from. In addition, the campus further defines additional policies, guidelines, and directives for sustainable purchasing that are listed below and also posted on the Sustainable Procurement webpage for Cal Poly Humboldt (https://procurement.humboldt.edu/sustainable-procurement):

- "How Faculty and Staff can Contribute to Improving the Environment:
Consolidate orders: By increasing the number of items ordered in a single order, you reduce the number of campus deliveries and packaging waste. Our suppliers use fewer shipping cartons. By reducing the number of deliveries made to your office, you are reducing fuel use, and carbon emissions.

Make use of electronic catalogs: Saves paper, eliminates the need to dispose of bulky catalogs every year, and frees up valuable desk.

Buy items which contain recycled material: We are all aware that there is recycled paper available, but did you know that there are binders, pens, pencils, and notebooks that contain recycled material? There is also flooring and construction material, office furniture, and playground equipment that employ recycled material.

Print on double sides: When printing and copying documents, save paper by printing double sided.

Choose renewable resources: Lessen the demand for limited natural resources by making the renewable choice. Request vegetable based inks be used when printing your next brochure, or consider building materials obtained from sustainably harvested forests and are backed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). http://www.fscus.org/

Opt for the non-hazardous alternative: By purchasing alcohol thermometers as opposed to ones filled with mercury you can lessen disposal costs while removing the potential for a hazardous chemical spill. Likewise the purchase and use of non-toxic cleaning supplies, like those with the Green Seal http://www.greenseal.org/can improve worker safety by reducing exposure to noxious chemicals.

Look for the most energy efficient model: The US EPA Energy Star program rates and certifies hundreds of energy efficient products. By choosing Energy Star you are helping prevent global warming and promote cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.

Buy locally: It takes fuel to transport goods. Proximity to production not only reduces the energy use required to bring the item to market, it also helps to support the local economy.

Buy only what you need: While it may appear economical to purchase in quantity, the truth is that often the cost to dispose of unused supplies, especially chemicals, far exceeds the original price of purchase.

Spread the word: Once you see how simple it is to "Buy Green" make sure that everyone else know too!"
- Staples Business Advantage Auto Sub Program

As you may know, the Chancellor’s Office has been working closely with Staples Business Advantage to institute an auto substitution program (similar to our previous auto sub program with Office Max) for sustainable products. The target go-live date was November 13, 2017. The transition will be seamless to the end user. The end user will pick a product that is on the auto sub sustainable product list and will see the swap at time of order check out. This will take place in the Campus Marketplace (ESM) and Staples Business Advantage.

Attached are distributable documents for the auto-sub product list and FAQ’s that you can send to your end users.

Permanently exempt brands were pulled from the information from the last auto-sub program and are included in this program. These items are:

Scotch Super Strength Packaging Tape
Expo Brand Original and Low Odor Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tips (Black and Color)
Avery Division Sheet Dividers
Swingline 67 Commercial Heavy Duty Stapler
Swingline SF 4 Premium Staples
Docket Gold Writing Tablets
Earth Friendly (if that’s your brand) Heavy Duty White Board Cleaner
Pentel Clic Eraser Refill
Pendaflex Reinforced Colored Hanging Folders, Letter-Size, Multi-Pack
Avery Removable Color Coding Labels
Quality Park Envelope Moistener Bottle (or Brand Equivalent)

associated links for Staples Sustainable auto-substitution Program;
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/procurement/staples_flyer.pdf
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/procurement/staples_frequently_asked_questions.pdf
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/procurement/sustainable_auto_substitution_list.pdf

- Cal Poly Humboldt Buy Recycled Policy:
Campus Responsibilities: The CSU Contracts and Procurement Manual requires that the campuses:

Purchase RCPs instead of non-RCPs if fitness and quality are equal and the RCP is available at no more than the total cost of the non-RCP.
Require all contractors to certify the recycled content of all RCP purchased.
Attain the RCP procurement mandates.
Submit Buy Recycle procurement reports annually.
Establish purchasing practices that ensure the purchase of materials, goods, and supplies that may be recycled or reused when discarded.
Certification Requirements

The CSU is mandated to require all contractors/bidders to certify in writing the minimum percentage, if not the exact percentage of post-consumer material in the products, materials, goods, or supplies sold or offered to the CSU. This certification shall be furnished under penalty of perjury. Products with no recycled content do not require certification, however a contractor may choose to provide a certification stating that the product has zero recycled content.

View the Post-Consumer Recycled Content Matrix

To ensure that this requirement is passed on to the contractor, campuses should require contractors to provide certifications with their bids or proposals and to include a certification requirement in the General Provisions that are issued with each contract.

Once a product has been certified it does not need to be recertified until the recycled content of the product has changed from the amount previously certified.

For example, follow-on suppliers do not need to submit a certification if a valid certification for the same product has been submitted previously and is on file. For exceptions to the submittal of a recycle content certification, see Exceptions and Special Considerations below.

Exceptions and Special Considerations

Incidental Products: Products resulting from Service or ITR contracts do not have to be reported if the value of the service or technology far exceeds the cost of the material content of the product. As an example, if a report is required to be delivered for the performance of a consultant contract and the labor cost of the consultant services far exceeds the value of the paper that the report is printed on, the paper does not have to be reported. The exception to this is if the material cost of the paper was separately identified.

In the event the material cost of a product is not insignificant, as compared to the value of the service or technology that went into the product, the value of the material should be reported. The value of the material may be determined by any reasonable method available and may be an estimated value. If there is no way to ascertain the material component of the cost, in this instance, then the entire price associated with that product may be reported.

Plastic Products: All printer or duplication cartridges should be reported if they have 10% post-consumer material, or are remanufactured, or are backed by a vendor-offered recycle program.

Metal Products: Unless virgin steel was specifically specified, all steel products that have been determined to fall within the metal products category should be reported as recycled. Certifications need not be required for steel products.

Compost: All compost should be reported as recycled. For the Buy Recycled Procurement Report, in the Compost category, the All Reportable Purchases columns should always equal the RCP Purchases columns.

Certifications need not be required for compost.

Non-reportables Products: Products that do not fall within one of the reportable categories should not be included in the Buy Recycled Report regardless of the recycled content. These products include wood products, textiles, masonry, aggregate, and concrete.

Refurbished/Remanufactured/Reused Products: Any products that are so certified and fall within one of the reportable categories should be included in the Buy Recycled Procurement Report. For these types of products, a certification to the effect that it is a refurbished, remanufactured or reused product is sufficient, no recycle content data is required.

Tires: As available, purchase tires that pass all applicable standards and specifications for retreaded tires.

- CSU Sustainability Policy:
https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6953280/latest/
Sustainable Procurement section states:

1. Campuses shall 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 and socially responsible practices.

2. To move to zero waste, campus practices should: (a) encourage use of products that minimize the volume of trash sent to landfill or incinerators; (b) participate in the CalRecycle Buy-Recycled program or equivalent; and (c) 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.

4. Campuses shall align procedures with state initiatives to report environmental product declarations for select construction materials, consistent with PCC §3500-3505 and state mandates.

5. Campuses shall promote circular economies by seeking to reduce waste when considering materials purchases, including but not limited to, office supplies, equipment, classroom supplies, and promotional and giveaway items by minimizing purchase of items that have a short useful life, are unable to be recycled, and/or are made of unsustainable or carbon intensive materials.

- ICSUAM 5215.00 CSU Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Participation Goals.
Campuses shall 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 and socially responsible practices. (14-New; 22-Revise)
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. (14-New; 22-No Change)
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. (14-New; 22-No change)
Campuses shall align procedures with state initiatives to report environmental product declarations for select construction materials, consistent with PCC §3500-3505 and state mandates. (22-New)
Campuses shall promote circular economies2 by seeking to reduce waste when considering materials purchases, including but not limited to, office supplies, equipment, classroom supplies, and promotional and giveaway items by minimizing purchase of items that have a short useful life, are unable to be recycled, and/or are made of unsustainable or carbon intensive materials. (22-New)
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): Cal Poly Humboldt 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

- 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.
Read in detail about 017419A, 017719B at:
https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=010396275208618603707:yodooxzrofy&q=https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/capital-planning-design-construction/Documents/01_74_19_Construction_Waste_Management.docx&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiOlZrVgf39AhWPOEQIHTceDs4QFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1bptjyKiwGlPwnHbw9cKKV
Read in detail about 024100A, 024100B at:
https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=010396275208618603707:yodooxzrofy&q=https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/capital-planning-design-construction/Documents/cm_building_demolition_contractors_waste_and_recycling_plan_02_41_00A.xlsx&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiOlZrVgf39AhWPOEQIHTceDs4QFnoECAcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3DsFoBiMgGePHPM8ajhAvW

- Dining Sustainability/Reducing Food Waste
https://dineoncampus.com/calpolyhumboldt/sustainability-at-humboldt-dining
Dining also 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
Cal Poly Humboldt 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 Cal Poly Humboldt 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.

https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/6589455/latest
Cal Poly Humboldt 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.

While Cal Poly Humboldt 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.

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. In addition, in 2022, Custodial worked closely with the Sustainability Office to find a certified green floor wax, in order to operationalize the campus preference for certified green products. After extensive research and product testing, they were able to find one that cures well in our humid climate.

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

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 D. Sustainable Procurement, policies regarding specific directives and specific products, including: 1) adherence to the CSU Buy-Recycled Products Campaign, and 2) elimination of CSU Single-Use Plastics. Both apply directly to consumable office products.

In addition, Cal Poly Humboldt 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/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 Cal Poly Humboldt.

- Staples Business Advantage Sustainable Auto-Sub Program (also referenced in previous section)
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.

While the campus does not publish sustainability criteria per se 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, Cal Poly Humboldt 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.

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
https://hsu-forms.humboldt.edu/itpurchasing/pre-approved

Cal Poly Humboldt recently ran an RFP for systemwide dining services. Sustainability criteria analyzed for the bidding food service providers can be found at this link; https://facilitymgmt.humboldt.edu/sustainable-dining

Additionally posted related information on Cal Poly Humboldt's food service sustainability can be found at the links below.

Green/Zero Waste Events -
https://procurement.humboldt.edu/green-events-andor-zero-waste-events

https://strategicplan.humboldt.edu/resources-stewardship-sustainability

-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

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/12393471/latest#autoid-d538n

Furthermore, 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/

- in addition, the CSU General Provisions (https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/contract-services-and-procurement/Documents/General-Provisions-Goods.docx)
which contain our standard contract policy provisions about:
Item 34 Nondiscrimination
Item 37 Forced, Convict, Indentured and Child Labor
Item 38 Recycled Content Certification

https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/contract-services-and-procurement/Documents/General-Provisions-Goods.docx
In all CSU General Provisions is a provision
44 for DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) 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/

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."
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.