| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.84 |
| Liaison | Natalie Sobrinski |
| Submission Date | June 6, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Muhlenberg College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.75 / 3.00 |
Brian
Blenis Director of Purchasing Purchasing |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1: Institution-Wide Policies
Yes
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
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The policies, guidelines or directives:
“All of our suppliers that my office [the purchasing department] comes into contact with are requested to follow the policies/ guidelines as listed in the sustainable Purchasing policy. We do stipulate such things as paint finishes have no VOC's, use of recycled fabrics, reduced packaging. The office supply vendor, W.B. Mason, was requested to reduce deliveries from 5 days a week to 3 days a week.” https://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/campuslife/sustainability/programs/campusinitiatives/sustainablepurchasing/
http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/campuslife/sustainability/programs/campusinitiatives/sustainablepurchasing/
Also, “Muhlenberg partners with dealers representing multiple major furniture manufactures. These representatives have been instructed to only bring to campus furniture from the specific manufactures that have been approved by the Director of Purchasing and that have documented Sustainable policies.” (Betty Lees)
Some of our business partners are covered by policies, guidelines and/or agreements that require adherence to minimum standards governing employee wages, benefits, working conditions and rights. Specifically, business partners with contracts through the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) consortium are covered by agreements which cover standards for employee wages, benefits, working conditions and rights.
Part 2: Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Yes
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
Institution employs LCCA as a matter of policy and standard practice when evaluating all energy- and water-using products, systems and building components
A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
Muhlenberg employs Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) as a matter of policy and practice when evaluating energy and water-using products and systems across all of its operations. Prior to purchasing a commodity, the total cost of ownership is considered, which includes initial cost, cost to receive, life expectancy, cost to maintain/energy required to run, and cost to dispose/recycle.
http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/campuslife/sustainability/programs/campusinitiatives/sustainablepurchasing/
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
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
Use Green Seal certified cleaning products whenever possible.
Choose bio-based and biodegradable solvents, cleaners, inks, lubricants, and fuels whenever possible.
https://www.muhlenberg.edu/media/contentassets/pdf/about/plantops/Green%20Cleaning%20Standard.pdf
Construction and Renovation
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for construction and renovation products:
When purchasing wood products, give preference to wood sustainably harvested (FSC certified) and with low VOC and formaldehyde content
Give preference to durable fabrics made with recycled content
Give preference to carpet, tiles, and insulation made of recycled and non-toxic material
Information Technology (IT)
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for IT products and services:
The Green Purchasing Policy requires new computers, laptops, and monitors to meet the Bronze registration or higher under the EPEAT standards.
There are efforts to recycle all electronic waste in a responsible manner.
Food Services
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food services:
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Garments and Linens
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
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Professional Services
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:
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Transportation and Fuels
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
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Wood and Paper
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for wood and paper products:
Purchase office paper and other supplies (tablets, folders, etc.) with a minimum of 30% post consumer waste (PCW) recycled content, and preferably 100% PCW recycled content
For uncut paper, including janitorial supplies, require 100% PCW recycled content
Purchase recycled toner cartridges and recycle ink and toner cartridges
Purchase printers, copiers, and fax machines with duplex capabilities and make duplex mode the default setting
Other Commodity Categories
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for other commodity categories:
Purchase recycled toner cartridges and recycle ink and toner cartridges
Purchase printers, copiers, and fax machines with duplex capabilities and make duplex mode the default setting
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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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.