| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 61.45 |
| Liaison | Natalie Sobrinski |
| Submission Date | Dec. 23, 2022 |
Muhlenberg College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.75 / 3.00 |
Brian
Blenis Director of Purchasing Purchasing |
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:
“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://muhlenberg.edu/media/contentassets/pdf/about/purchasing/Purchasing%20Policies%20&%20Procedures,%202017%20final.pdf
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?:
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
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.
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:
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 consumable office products?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office 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 furniture and furnishings?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
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) and equipment?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
The Green Purchasing Policy requires new computers, laptops, and monitors to meet the EPA energy Star 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 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:
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:
The College has invested in a fleet of 14 electric vehicles, as well as a solar lawnmower and solar leaf blowers. Muhlenberg is committed to replacing vehicles with ones that reduce our carbon footprint.
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.