| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 71.75 |
| Liaison | Jauna Vitale |
| Submission Date | Feb. 14, 2025 |
New York University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Jauna
Vitale Assistant Director, Sustainability NYU Office of Sustainability |
Part 1. Institution-wide sustainable procurement policies
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
The NYU Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual can be found on the webpage: https://www.nyu.edu/about/policies-guidelines-compliance/policies-and-guidelines/purchasing-policies-and-procedures-manual.html
Part 2. Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
NYU employs Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) when evaluating energy and water using products and systems. According to our Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual (Procedure P166 - Environmental Purchasing Policy), Life Cycle Cost Analysis is a key component of our procurement decision-making process.
The policy defines Life Cycle Cost Analysis as "the economic evaluation technique that determines the total cost of owning and operating equipment or a building." When making purchasing decisions, our procurement teams consider:
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Product's estimated life span
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Energy consumption costs
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Maintenance requirements and costs
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Consumable supplies costs
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Disposal costs
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Product durability and reusability
This analysis is supported by our procurement best practices which emphasize:
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Purchasing durable and reusable goods
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Considering total ownership costs rather than just initial purchase price
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Evaluating environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle
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Giving preference to environmentally preferable products when quality and price are equivalent
We also incorporate criteria from relevant certification standards such as Energy Star for electronics and appliances, which helps ensure energy efficiency is properly factored into the total cost of ownership calculations.
Part 3. Product-specific sustainability criteria
To count, the criteria must address the specific sustainability challenges and impacts associated with products and/or 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
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
NYU’s Green Cleaning Policy and Program Plan addresses the environmental best practices for cleaning the interior of buildings and general janitorial maintenance on the site and grounds of NYU. The goal of this Policy and Plan is to reduce the exposure of building occupants and cleaning personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological and particle contaminants, which adversely impact air quality, health, building finishes, buildings systems, and the environment. (link)
Consumable office products
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
NYU's preferred sustainable paper product is Tree-Zero paper. This is a product that is made entirely from sugarcane waste fiber and contains no virgin tree pulp. When Tree-Zero paper is unfit for the application, the University's stated preference is for paper with at least 30% post-consumer recycled content. Additionally, NYU's Green Cleaning Policy sets criteria for the purchase of paper products in regards to recycled content.
Furniture and furnishings
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
NYU’s Environmental Purchasing Policy states that purchased products shall contain fewer toxic constituents, reduce waste, and be durable and reusable goods. (link)
Information Technology (IT) and equipment
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
NYU’s Environmental Purchasing Policy states a preference for Energy Star and Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)-rated IT products (electronics and appliances). (link)
Food service providers
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
NYU’s Green Events Standard requires that catering orders are designed to minimize food waste, leftover food is donated to students or a local food pantry, all cups/glasses are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, all beverages are served in reusable containers or dispensers, and menu entrees include vegetarian and vegan dishes. It is encouraged that small plates are provided to guests (to curb food waste) and menu items feature plant-based dishes by default and/or feature organic and local ingredients. NYU is also committed to reducing food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 through both the Coolfood Pledge and the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge. To accomplish these goals, NYU has incorporated the EAT-Lancet and Menus of Change frameworks into its dining principles, emphasizing a variety of sustainability objectives. (link)(link)
Garments and linens
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
Professional service providers
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
NYU is committed to fostering and cultivating a culture of inclusion and diversity. To that end, NYU's purchasing department runs the Supplier Diversity Initiative. This initiative seeks to attract, grow, and retain participation by Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise in professional services (i.e. architectural, engineering, legal, etc.), construction management and general contracting services, and other vendor services.
Transportation and fuels
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
NYU’s Business and Expense Policy states the least-expensive and lowest-carbon option should be chosen unless there are convenience or safety issues that justify the additional cost and carbon footprint. Use of taxis, Uber, Lyft (or equivalent) for travel between NYU locations is not encouraged and rail travel within the Northeast Corridor, (Richmond to Boston via Amtrak) and between cities within 4 hours travel in Europe, is required as it is a less carbon intensive option than air travel. (link)
Optional Fields
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.