Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 56.72
Liaison Christie-Joy Hartman
Submission Date May 12, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

James Madison University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 3.00 Catherine Weaver
Director
Procurement
"---" 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 commodity categories institution-wide?:
Yes

A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
---

The policies, guidelines or directives:

Policy 1701
Sustainable Procurement

Date of Current Revision: June 2015
Primary Responsible Officer: Associate Vice President for Business Services
1. PURPOSE

This policy supports campus sustainability at James Madison University and provides guidelines, information and resources in procuring products that will minimize negative impacts on society and the environment to the greatest extent practical.

2. AUTHORITY

The Board of Visitors has been authorized by the Commonwealth of Virginia to govern James Madison University. See Code of Virginia section 23-164.6; 23-9.2:3. The board has delegated the authority to manage the university to the president.

3. DEFINITIONS

Sustainability:
Encompasses human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods and a better world for all generations. -Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2009 http://www.aashe.org/about/about.php

Recycled Products:
Products manufactured with waste material recovered or diverted from solid waste. Recycle material may be derived from post-consumer waste (material that has served its intended end-use and been discarded by a final consumer), industrial scrap, manufacturing waste or other waste that would otherwise have been discarded.

Reuse:
Repairing what is broken or giving it to someone who can repair it or use it in its current state.

Reduce:
Using less of products and utilizing other means of doing business when available to reduce the amount and toxicity of trash discarded.

Certification:
Official document or seal providing evidence and details of something that is authentic and verified by a third party.

4. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all JMU employees and students.

5. POLICY

The university will align its procurement plans, practices and procedures with the campus environmental stewardship goals and campus Environmental Stewardship Action Plan (ESAP).

6. PROCEDURES

6.1 Energy

All desktop computers, notebooks and monitors purchased must meet, at a minimum, all Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) environmental criteria designated as "required" (bronze registration) or higher as contained in the IEEE 1680 Standard for the Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products.(http://epeat.net).
Copiers and printers leased will be compatible with the use of recycled content and remanufactured products.
All electrical products purchased by JMU will meet the U.S. EPA Energy Star certification.
All equipment and material shall conform to the standards of Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and bear the appropriate label.
Preference is given to suppliers of electronic equipment, including but not limited to computers, monitors, printers and copiers, who have an established program to take back equipment for reuse or environmentally safe recycling when deemed appropriate by JMU.
Vehicles purchased or leased will have low emissions of local air pollutants and greenhouse gases. The need to minimize emissions and exposure to air pollution in purchasing goods and services will be considered.
When acquiring or replacing inefficient interior or exterior lighting, energy efficient equipment will be purchased.

6.2 Water

The most water efficient appliances available must be purchased. This includes, but is not limited to, high performance fixtures such as toilets, low-flow faucets and aerators, and upgraded irrigation systems. When possible, those with the EPA WaterSense label will be selected.

6.3 Toxins and Pollutants

Cleaning solvents should be biodegradable, phosphate free and citrus-based when their use will not compromise quality of service.
Industrial and institutional cleaning products that meet Green Seal certification standards or environmental preference and performance will be purchased or required to be used by janitorial contractors.
All surfactants and detergents used will be readily biodegradable and will not contain phosphates.
Vacuum cleaners that meet the Carpet and Rug Institute's "Green Label Testing Program-Vacuum Cleaner Criteria" (capable of capturing 96 percent of particulates measuring 0.3 microns and operating with a sound level less than 70dBA) will be used by in-house staff and required for janitorial contractors.
Products and equipment should not contain lead or mercury. For products that contain lead or mercury, preference should be given to those products with lower quantities of these metals and to vendors with established lead and mercury recovery programs.
Pest control will be managed through prevention—physical and mechanical—and through the purchase of environmentally friendly products. As a last resort, use of the least toxic pest control substance is required.

6.4 Vehicles

All vehicles purchased must be biodiesel, electric or hybrid except where the type of vehicle required is not made according to these specifications. All exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance.

6.5 Biobased Products

Biobased plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable, such as bags, film, food and beverage containers, and cutlery, will be acquired by the university and/or used by our contracted vendors.
Compostable plastic products purchased will meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards as found in ASTM D6400-04. Biodegradable plastics used as coatings on paper and other compostable substrates will meet ASTM D6868-03 standards.
Paper, paper products and construction products made from nonwood, plant-based contents such as agricultural crops and residues will be used whenever feasible.

6.6 Forest Conservation

Used or salvaged wood and wood products should be purchased whenever feasible.
Paper, paper products and construction products made from non-wood, plant based contents such as agricultural crops and residues should be purchased whenever feasible. Chlorine free paper and Forest Stewardship Council certified paper products are preferred.

6.7 Recycling

Thirty percent postconsumer waste recycled paper for all applications will be the standard when quality of service is not compromised nor the health and safety of employees jeopardized.
When specifying asphalt concrete, aggregate base or Portland cement concrete for road construction projects, recycled, reusable or reground materials will be used when practicable.
The use of reclaimed stone and brick and the use of secondary or recycled aggregates will be specified.
Transportation products, including signs, cones, parking stops, delineators, channelizers and barricades will contain the highest postconsumer content practicable.
Products that are durable, long lasting, reusable,or refillable are preferred whenever feasible.
Remanufactured toner cartridges should be used in all copiers and printers whenever feasible.

6.8 Packaging

Packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable is preferred, when suitable uses and programs exist, as is eliminating packaging or using the minimum amount for product protection to the greatest extent practicable.

6.9 Green Building

Green purchasing concepts will be integrated into architectural designs, final construction documents and the final construction of all university buildings and renovations of property or facilities owned by the university. All buildings and renovations undertaken by the university will follow green building practices for design, construction and operations, where appropriate, as described in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System.
When maintaining buildings, products such as paint, carpeting, adhesives, furniture and casework with the lowest volatile organic compounds (VOCs), highest recycled content, and low or no formaldehyde will be used when practicable.
All carpet distributors and/or manufacturers of carpet installed at the university will have a carpet recycling plan approved by Procurement Services
See Policy 1703-Sustainable Construction.
Using chlorofluorocarbon and halon-containing refrigerants, solvents and other products will be phased out, and new purchases of heating/ventilating/air conditioning, refrigeration, insulation, and fire suppression systems will not contain them.

6.10 Landscaping

All landscape renovations, construction and maintenance performed by internal staff members or contractors providing landscaping services will employ sustainable landscape management techniques for design, construction and maintenance. This includes, but is not limited to, integrated pest management, drip irrigation, composting, and use of mulch and compost that give preference to those produced from regionally generated plant debris and/or food waste programs.
Landscape structures constructed of recycled content materials will be used whenever feasible. Impervious surfaces in the landscape will be limited, whenever practicable. Permeable substitutes, such as permeable asphalt or pavers, will be used for walkways, patios, and driveways whenever feasible.
Plants should be selected to minimize waste by choosing species that are appropriate to the microclimate. Native and drought-tolerant plants that require no or minimal watering once established should be purchased.

6.11 General

Departments will use the standards outlined in this policy when making all purchasing decisions. University policy on procurement protocol will still be followed for procurement of goods noted in this policy.
Check the Procurement Services Web Page for frequent updates on vendor commitments to sustainability, including new annual contracts that can be utilized.
7. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Procurement is responsible for the management and oversight of this policy.

Employees with buying responsibilities will be familiar with this policy and only procure goods and services that meet the standards.

8. SANCTIONS

Sanctions will be commensurate with the severity and/or frequency of the offense.

9. EXCLUSIONS

Requests for exclusions to this policy or waivers from its provisions must be submitted to and approved by the Director of Procurement.

10. INTERPRETATION

The authority to interpret this policy rests with the president and is generally delegated to the Associate Vice President for Business Services.

Previous version: October 2014
Approved by the President: October 2009


Does the institution employ Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) when evaluating energy- and water-using products and systems?:
No

Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
---

A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
---

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services (e.g. building and facilities maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing, landscaping and grounds maintenance)?:
Yes

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

6.3 Toxins and Pollutants

Cleaning solvents should be biodegradable, phosphate free and citrus-based when their use will not compromise quality of service.
Industrial and institutional cleaning products that meet Green Seal certification standards or environmental preference and performance will be purchased or required to be used by janitorial contractors.
All surfactants and detergents used will be readily biodegradable and will not contain phosphates.
Vacuum cleaners that meet the Carpet and Rug Institute's "Green Label Testing Program-Vacuum Cleaner Criteria" (capable of capturing 96 percent of particulates measuring 0.3 microns and operating with a sound level less than 70dBA) will be used by in-house staff and required for janitorial contractors.
Products and equipment should not contain lead or mercury. For products that contain lead or mercury, preference should be given to those products with lower quantities of these metals and to vendors with established lead and mercury recovery programs.
Pest control will be managed through prevention—physical and mechanical—and through the purchase of environmentally friendly products. As a last resort, use of the least toxic pest control substance is required.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating construction and renovation products (e.g. furnishings and building materials)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for construction and renovation products:

Green purchasing concepts will be integrated into architectural designs, final construction documents and the final construction of all university buildings and renovations of property or facilities owned by the university. All buildings and renovations undertaken by the university will follow green building practices for design, construction and operations, where appropriate, as described in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System.
When maintaining buildings, products such as paint, carpeting, adhesives, furniture and casework with the lowest volatile organic compounds (VOCs), highest recycled content, and low or no formaldehyde will be used when practicable.
All carpet distributors and/or manufacturers of carpet installed at the university will have a carpet recycling plan approved by Procurement Services
See Policy 1703-Sustainable Construction.
Policy 1703
Sustainable Construction

Date of Current Revision: July 2014
Primary Responsible Officer: Director of Facilities Management
1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to outline requirements and procedures for ensuring the use of sustainable building practices in the design and construction of new or renovated university facilities.
2. AUTHORITY

The Board of Visitors has been authorized by the Commonwealth of Virginia to govern James Madison University. See Code of Virginia section 23-164.6;23-9.2:3. The board has delegated the authority to manage the university to the president.

3. DEFINITIONS

LEED:
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.
4. APPLICABILITY

The policy applies to all departments and all facilities that are owned by the university.
5. POLICY

All new building construction or new renovation to existing buildings shall utilize materials and methods which provide quantifiable conformity to sustainable construction as defined by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

Per Commonwealth of Virginia requirements, buildings and renovations shall be designed and built to obtain LEED Silver certification.

This policy is concurrently applicable with all other state, university and Facilities Management policies and standards.

6. PROCEDURES

Facilities Planning and Construction will establish procedures necessary to ensure compliance of this policy.

7. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance is the final approving authority for all aspects of major new construction and renovation projects.

The Director of Engineering and Construction is responsible for ensuring that proper action is taken to accomplish all necessary work related to new construction or renovation. In addition, the Director of Engineering and Construction is responsible for reviewing all non-capital major projects and all major maintenance projects and ensuring the compliance of those projects with this policy.

The Director of Facilities Planning and Construction is responsible for reviewing all capital projects, whether new construction or renovation, and ensuring the compliance of those projects with this policy.

8. SANCTIONS

Sanctions will be commensurate with the severity and/or frequency of the offense and may include termination of employment.

9. EXCLUSIONS

None.
10. INTERPRETATION

The authority to interpret this policy rests with the president and is generally delegated to the Director of Engineering and Construction.

Previous version: June 2011
Approved by the President: October 2009


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) products and services (e.g. computers, imaging equipment, mobile phones, data centers and cloud services)?:
Yes

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

All desktop computers, notebooks and monitors purchased must meet, at a minimum, all Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) environmental criteria designated as "required" (bronze registration) or higher as contained in the IEEE 1680 Standard for the Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products.(http://epeat.net).
Copiers and printers leased will be compatible with the use of recycled content and remanufactured products.
All electrical products purchased by JMU will meet the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR certification.
All equipment and material shall conform to the standards of Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and bear the appropriate label.
Preference is given to suppliers of electronic equipment, including but not limited to computers, monitors, printers and copiers, who have an established program to take back equipment for reuse or environmentally safe recycling when deemed appropriate by JMU.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food services (i.e. franchises, vending services, concessions, convenience stores)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food services:

Biobased plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable, such as bags, film, food and beverage containers, and cutlery, will be acquired by the university and/or used by our contracted vendors.
Compostable plastic products purchased will meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards as found in ASTM D6400-04. Biodegradable plastics used as coatings on paper and other compostable substrates will meet ASTM D6868-03 standards.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating garments and linens?:
No

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 services (e.g. architectural, engineering, public relations, financial)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:

Green purchasing concepts will be integrated into architectural designs, final construction documents and the final construction of all university buildings and renovations of property or facilities owned by the university. All buildings and renovations undertaken by the university will follow green building practices for design, construction and operations, where appropriate, as described in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels (e.g. travel, vehicles, delivery services, long haul transport, generator fuels, steam plants)?:
Yes

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

6.4 Vehicles

All vehicles purchased must be biodiesel, electric or hybrid except where the type of vehicle required is not made according to these specifications. All exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating wood and paper products?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for wood and paper products:

6.6 Forest Conservation

Used or salvaged wood and wood products should be purchased whenever feasible.
Paper, paper products and construction products made from non-wood, plant based contents such as agricultural crops and residues should be purchased whenever feasible. Chlorine free paper and Forest Stewardship Council certified paper products are preferred.

6.8 Packaging

Packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable is preferred, when suitable uses and programs exist, as is eliminating packaging or using the minimum amount for product protection to the greatest extent practicable.

6.10 Landscaping

All landscape renovations, construction and maintenance performed by internal staff members or contractors providing landscaping services will employ sustainable landscape management techniques for design, construction and maintenance. This includes, but is not limited to, integrated pest management, drip irrigation, composting, and use of mulch and compost that give preference to those produced from regionally generated plant debris and/or food waste programs.
Landscape structures constructed of recycled content materials will be used whenever feasible. Impervious surfaces in the landscape will be limited, whenever practicable. Permeable substitutes, such as permeable asphalt or pavers, will be used for walkways, patios, and driveways whenever feasible.
Plants should be selected to minimize waste by choosing species that are appropriate to the microclimate. Native and drought-tolerant plants that require no or minimal watering once established should be purchased.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating products and services in other commodity categories that the institution has determined to have significant sustainability impacts?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for other commodity categories:

6.5 Biobased Products

Biobased plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable, such as bags, film, food and beverage containers, and cutlery, will be acquired by the university and/or used by our contracted vendors.
Compostable plastic products purchased will meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards as found in ASTM D6400-04. Biodegradable plastics used as coatings on paper and other compostable substrates will meet ASTM D6868-03 standards.
Paper, paper products and construction products made from nonwood, plant-based contents such as agricultural crops and residues will be used whenever feasible.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Sustainable Procurement Policy
https://www.jmu.edu/JMUpolicy/policies/1701.shtml

Sustainable Construction Policy
https://www.jmu.edu/JMUpolicy/policies/1703.shtml

Transportation Site - http://www.jmu.edu/transportation/
Public Transportation, Ride Share Programs, etc.

Food Service Composting/Local Purchasing/Recycling/Food Donation/Trayless Dining/
Reusable Mugs/Madison Garden
https://jmu.campusdish.com/Sustainability.aspx

Land Maintenance
https://www.jmu.edu/facmgt/sustainability/land-use.shtml

Recycling
https://www.jmu.edu/facmgt/sustainability/waste-management/recycling.shtml

Energy and Utilities
https://www.jmu.edu/facmgt/sustainability/Energy.shtml

Energy and Utilities
https://www.jmu.edu/facmgt/sustainability/leed.shtml

Vehicles/Fleet
https://www.jmu.edu/facmgt/sustainability/transportation.shtml


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.