Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 57.84
Liaison Paul Edlund
Submission Date Feb. 19, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Montana State University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.75 / 3.00 Brian O'Connor
Director of Procurement Services
University Business Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1: Institution-Wide Policies 

Does the institution have written policies, guidelines or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across commodity categories institution-wide?:
No

A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
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The policies, guidelines or directives:
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Part 2: Life Cycle Cost Analysis 

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 less comprehensively, e.g. for certain types of systems or projects and not others

A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
MSU University Services typically performs energy studies for buildings or remodel projects larger than 10,000 sq ft. to evaluate system alternates and select arrangements with the lowest Life Cycle Cost.

Part 3: Commodity-Specific Sustainability Criteria

To count, the criteria must address the specific sustainability challenges and impacts associated with products/services in each category, e.g. by requiring or giving preference to multi-criteria sustainability standards, certifications and labels appropriate to the category. Broader, institution-wide policies should be reported in Part 1, above. 

Chemically Intensive Products and Services

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:
Campus-wide RFP recently published for custodial supplier had extensive criteria used for award based on green janitorial chemicals. from the RFP: "The successful vendor shall economically and efficiently supply the University with green janitorial chemicals that carry the Green Seal™ and/or EcoLogo™ certification or a chemically equivalent product as well as related paper products. "

Construction and Renovation 

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:
One of the goals of the LRCDP, is to “develop the campus using practices that avoid irreversible damage to natural resources by encouraging development projects that include utilization of green technologies and renewable materials.” These guidelines are intended to provide direction and resources for the sustainable design of exterior space, sites and utilities, new building construction, and the comprehensive renewal of existing buildings for capital projects at MSU. The steps of this process are described in Section 1.6 Sustainable Building Principles. MSU performed a campus wide energy audit in 2011 to determine sustainability strategies for reducing energy costs pertaining to: 1. Energy efficiency goals/targets 2. Interior and exterior light plan 3. Energy efficient fenestration 4. Potable water use plan The greatest potential for understanding and managing the environmental impacts of a project is through early and multi-disciplinary consideration of site selection criteria, building siting, orientation and massing, water usage, storm water management, and landscaping strategies. The sustainability charrette (to be conducted during the Pre-Schematic phases) process is intended to ensure that these critical issues are addressed by the design team in a timely and holistic manner.

Information Technology (IT) 

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:
Vast majority of IT products and services purchasd off NASPO Valuepoint contract for Dell and Apple Computers. These contracts were awarded with environmental impacts as a large part of the consideration criteria.

Food Services 

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:
MSU's Primary Food vendor was selected with a large part of the evaluation criteria based on sustainability requirements. Likewise for Concessions and Pour Rights vendor recently selected.

Garments and Linens 

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:
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Professional Services 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional services (e.g. architectural, engineering, public relations, financial)?:
No

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

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)?:
No

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

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:
Campus-wide RFP recently published for custodial supplier had extensive criteria used for award based on green janitorial chemicals. from the RFP: "The successful vendor shall economically and efficiently supply the University with green janitorial chemicals that carry the Green Seal™ and/or EcoLogo™ certification or a chemically equivalent product as well as related paper products. " Other paper product purchases come from the State office supply contracts. These contracts ensure paper purchased has high post consumer content.

Other Commodity Categories 

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?:
No

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

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