| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.96 |
| Liaison | Megan Butler |
| Submission Date | Jan. 19, 2021 |
Macalester College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.75 / 3.00 |
Matt
Rumpza Purchasing and AP Manager Purchasing and Accounts Payable |
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:
Macalester College Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines
Institutional Purchasing Guidelines (from the Business Services "Policies, Guidelines and Resources" webpage)
Whenever possible, Macalester wishes to minimize its footprint through purchasing. This comes in the form of purchasing materials from recycled content or materials that can be recycled or composted.
To further align with the College’s values of multiculturalism, internationalism, and service to society, Macalester encourages responsible and ethical sourcing of all the materials that end up on our campus. This includes attention to the Worker’s Rights Consortium.
In comparison to other institutions, Macalester is uniquely located in a thriving urban environment. To stimulate growth and a robust economy around Macalester College, the College encourages collaboration with our small, local community whenever possible.
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:
As a leader, Macalester took the necessary steps to build Markim Hall – a certified LEED Platinum building on campus. It is with the construction of this facility that LCCA became more prevalent on campus. With the addition of the Energy Manager position to Macalester – particularly as it pertains to Facilities Services purchasing and projects – LCCA has been incorporated more frequently into project discussions. Macalester continues to shape our future building projects using the Minnesota B3 Building Guidelines. Macalester also considers LCCA in purchasing electronics and selecting electronic waste recycling vendors.
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:
Macalester College uses:
• Green Seal Certified cleaning products, as permitted by law and regulations.
• Sphagnum Moss to reduce the amount of chlorine used by the College’s pool in the Leonard Center.
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:
• Document Services exclusively purchases 100% Post-Consumer content paper for use in their production spaces.
• Information Technology Services exclusively purchases local 100% Post-Consumer Content paper for use in ITS and Library public printing labs.
• Letterhead is a 100% Post-Consumer content paper.
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:
Macalester carefully considers its actions when renovating, demolishing, or constructing new facilities. The College’s first step towards adopting building standards came with the construction of the LEED Platinum building Markim Hall. Although Macalester does not intend to build another structure requiring the same certification process, Macalester adopted the Minnesota B3 Building Guidelines after the Markim Hall project.
When renovating existing spaces outside of construction projects, Macalester uses:
• Low VOC paint
• Low footprint carpet, like Ecoworx or carpet, that is "Cradle to Cradle" certified whenever the circumstances permit
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:
Macalester College Information Technology Services employs several sustainable purchasing and LCCA practices.
• Purchase Energy Star and EPEAT products when offered for a particular installation.
• Purchase 100% Post-Consumer content paper from a local mill for all printing in public ITS and Library computer labs
• Purchase 100% plant-based toners for all ITS printers in public computer labs
• Electronic Waste Recyclers are R2 and NAID certified
• Recycles plastic bags and polystyrene from packaging
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:
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:
The Athletics Department and College bookstore purchase in accordance with the WRC guidelines.
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:
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:
Macalester, with a unique geographical location compared to other institutions, has direct access to public transit, which is encouraged whenever possible. This is financially encouraged through subsidized bus passes.
Several years ago, with the installation of the new boiler, Macalester committed to more responsible fuel purchasing by only allowing the purchase of #2 fuel oil and no longer purchases or burns the more carbon-intensive #6. Macalester's commitment to sustainability when considering transportation and fuels remains intact and robust.
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:
Please note that the WRC reference is in the policy language.
Please note that the WRC reference is in the policy language.
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.