Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.84
Liaison Natalie Sobrinski
Submission Date June 6, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Muhlenberg College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.75 / 3.00 Brian Blenis
Director of Purchasing
Purchasing
"---" 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:
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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.


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 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/


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:

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


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:

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


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:

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.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food services (i.e. franchises, vending services, concessions, convenience stores)?:
No

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

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


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:

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


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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.