| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.82 |
| Liaison | Joanne Wong |
| Submission Date | Feb. 10, 2021 |
Mills College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.75 / 3.00 |
Joanne
Wong Sustainability Coordinator Campus Facilities |
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:
To support purchasing from the college level, the Finance Department negotiates a contract with Office Depot and requires divisional office purchases through their comprehensive environmental program—Buy Green, Be Green, Sell Green—that strives to improve the environmental performance of their suppliers, their own operations and their customers. Campus employees can utilize Office Depot's green merchandising and services, including The Green Book® catalog and Office Depot Green™ Brand products.
Mills uses 30% post-consumer paper or better. All other types of paper have been blocked from being purchased.
To support purchasing at the departmental level, Mills College Green Department Certification Program identifies and recognizes departments on campus that have integrated environmental sustainability into their operations in order to lower their ecological footprint. The program identifies actions and procedures that departments can implement, along with innovative ideas that are department-specific. Departments can refer to the Green Department Certification Resource Guide and must fill out the Green Department Certification Checklist. Certifications are valid for two years.
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:
We employ assessment and practice LCCA, considering efficiency, cost and lifespan. We evaluate life cycle costs with our engineers to provide the most output and cost efficient solution. We are currently assessing multiple energy projects including a ground mount solar array which will look at 10 and 20 year payback programs. Each energy efficiency project is assessed for energy savings, equipment efficiency and the cumulative impact that moves the College to net zero. These projects must be approved by the Chief Financial Officer and if the project is substantial, the Board of Trustees. It is an expectation that all energy projects meet the highest standards of quality and durability with the goal to achieve maximum savings in energy use, cost benefit and environmental impact. This was employed for our LEED Platinum Life Sciences Building, with detailed analysis by our energy consultant, Integral Group, and also on our LEED Gold Lokey Graduate School of Business. We are currently working with our local power utility and a local ESCO to realize the largest single energy initiative in the College’s 150 year history. Working with local partners is a priority for social and environmental reasons. When realized, we anticipate we will greatly exceed our current CAP goal to reduce our energy use 40% of 2008 emissions by 2025 through an on-bill financing program.
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:
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:
To support purchasing from the college level, the Finance Department negotiates a contract with Office Depot and requires divisional office purchases through their comprehensive environmental program—Buy Green, Be Green, Sell Green—that strives to improve the environmental performance of their suppliers, their own operations and their customers. Campus employees can utilize Office Depot's green merchandising and services, including The Green Book® catalog and Office Depot Green™ Brand products.
Mills uses 30% post-consumer paper or better. All other types of paper have been blocked from being purchased.
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:
We don't have published criteria, but our housing department sources our residential hall furniture from www.sustainablefurnitureinc.com, which manufactures within our state and offers refurbishment and recycling services to reduce waste and extend life.
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:
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:
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:
We don't have published criteria, but are committed to work with service providers that align with our core values. We select consultants with LEED and green project experience. Our institutional commitment to women's leadership and promoting gender equality led us to work with Hall Capital, which is a woman-owned firm that has reduced our investment in fossil fuels.
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.