| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.71 |
| Liaison | Julie Cahillane |
| Submission Date | March 6, 2020 |
Northwestern University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Sarah
Tulga Sustainability Program Coordinator Facilities |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Institution-wide sustainable procurement policies
Yes
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
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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:
"During the Design Development (DD) phase, the approved schematic design begins to include a level of detail necessary to work out a clear, coordinated description of all aspects of the project. Because the DD Phase is one of the last opportunities for the User Group to become fully involved in the design, it is crucial that sustainability principles from each of the LEED categories be fully discussed and implications be understood and integrated as appropriate.
Design and construction costs associated with the sustainable attributes of the project should be clarified. Sustainable component cost metrics (capital and life cycle) should be developed and cost and/or savings decisions evaluated against performance and life cycle cost considerations. The results are to be refined with the BPD document and LEED Checklist."
"A Life Cycle Cost Analysis is typically required for major mechanical systems. Review specific requirements with the NU Project Manager prior to the start of the design phase of the project."
Full guidelines here: https://www.northwestern.edu/fm/contractors/docs/NU_Division%2000%20-%20Design%20Guidelines.pdf
Additionally, “Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) will consider the use of products and services with less environmental impact than competing products when it is a good best-value decision to do so (based on a thorough total-cost-of-ownership analysis)” This is displayed on the Procurement and Payment Services website on Northwestern’s Commitment to Sustainability and within the Purchasing and Payment Policy.
Procurement’s Commitment to Sustainability here:
https://www.northwestern.edu/procurement/about/sustainability/
Purchasing and Payment Policy here:
https://www.northwestern.edu/financial-operations/policies-procedures/policies/purchasing-payment-policy.pdf
Design and construction costs associated with the sustainable attributes of the project should be clarified. Sustainable component cost metrics (capital and life cycle) should be developed and cost and/or savings decisions evaluated against performance and life cycle cost considerations. The results are to be refined with the BPD document and LEED Checklist."
"A Life Cycle Cost Analysis is typically required for major mechanical systems. Review specific requirements with the NU Project Manager prior to the start of the design phase of the project."
Full guidelines here: https://www.northwestern.edu/fm/contractors/docs/NU_Division%2000%20-%20Design%20Guidelines.pdf
Additionally, “Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) will consider the use of products and services with less environmental impact than competing products when it is a good best-value decision to do so (based on a thorough total-cost-of-ownership analysis)” This is displayed on the Procurement and Payment Services website on Northwestern’s Commitment to Sustainability and within the Purchasing and Payment Policy.
Procurement’s Commitment to Sustainability here:
https://www.northwestern.edu/procurement/about/sustainability/
Purchasing and Payment Policy here:
https://www.northwestern.edu/financial-operations/policies-procedures/policies/purchasing-payment-policy.pdf
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
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
Sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services is in the Purchasing and Payment Policy and Procedures, the bid process, and the Green Cleaning Policy.
Within these policies, Northwestern prioritizes products and organizations that are recognized by a governmental or respected certification body when purchasing products. Relevant preferable goods and services are identified through the following authorities.
EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Program
EPA’s Environmental Preferred Products
EPA’s ENERGY STAR
Federal Energy Management Program Qualified Products
EPEAT - The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
BioPreferred and biobased designated products designated by the US Department of Agriculture
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Green Seal
GREENGUARD
EPA’s WaterSense
Within the bidding process, all vendors need to address pollution prevention, environmental attributes and costs throughout a product or service’s life cycle, relevant environmental impacts, and environmental performance. University-wide contract solicitations when feasible are required to meet the environmental certification guidance above.
Northwestern University is committed to sustainability with chemically intensive products and services – especially in the cleaning supplies. The Green Cleaning Policy is required for custodial, sustainNU, Facilities and Student Affairs.
Sustainability Criteria within this policy includes:
Wherever feasible, cleaning products and materials, including hard floor and carpet care products, used inside and outside Northwestern’s facilities shall meet the requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (EBOM) - Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 3.3: Green Cleaning, Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials as described within the plan. Product types subject to these requirements include, but are not limited to, bio-enzymatic cleaners, hard floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, general purpose cleaners, specialty cleaners, odor control, disinfectants, disposable janitorial paper products and trash bags, and hand soaps.
Full details are listed within the policy here:
https://www.northwestern.edu/sustainability/program-areas/policies/campus-wide-green-cleaning-policy.pdf
Within these policies, Northwestern prioritizes products and organizations that are recognized by a governmental or respected certification body when purchasing products. Relevant preferable goods and services are identified through the following authorities.
EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Program
EPA’s Environmental Preferred Products
EPA’s ENERGY STAR
Federal Energy Management Program Qualified Products
EPEAT - The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
BioPreferred and biobased designated products designated by the US Department of Agriculture
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Green Seal
GREENGUARD
EPA’s WaterSense
Within the bidding process, all vendors need to address pollution prevention, environmental attributes and costs throughout a product or service’s life cycle, relevant environmental impacts, and environmental performance. University-wide contract solicitations when feasible are required to meet the environmental certification guidance above.
Northwestern University is committed to sustainability with chemically intensive products and services – especially in the cleaning supplies. The Green Cleaning Policy is required for custodial, sustainNU, Facilities and Student Affairs.
Sustainability Criteria within this policy includes:
Wherever feasible, cleaning products and materials, including hard floor and carpet care products, used inside and outside Northwestern’s facilities shall meet the requirements of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (EBOM) - Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 3.3: Green Cleaning, Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials as described within the plan. Product types subject to these requirements include, but are not limited to, bio-enzymatic cleaners, hard floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, general purpose cleaners, specialty cleaners, odor control, disinfectants, disposable janitorial paper products and trash bags, and hand soaps.
Full details are listed within the policy here:
https://www.northwestern.edu/sustainability/program-areas/policies/campus-wide-green-cleaning-policy.pdf
Consumable office products
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
Northwestern bid and contract documents include environmental impact specifications and these sustainability standards are included in the selection criteria process for contract award. Purchasing takes into account environmental impact and product lifecycle to minimize adverse social and environmental effects related to the production, transportation, use of, and disposal of materials. The process prioritizes securing contracts with suppliers that display environmental leadership in their respective markets. Higher consideration is given to products and organizations that are recognized by a governmental or respected certification body. Contractors and suppliers will be required to provide a corporate sustainability plan/policy for publication on the Northwestern’s Procurement website or iBuyNU
Relevant to consumable office products, our standards prioritize high levels of post-consumer recycled content, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Green Seal certification. For non-paper goods preference is given to items that are reusable or refillable and those with reduced packaging options. Electronic products such as lamps are to be ENERGY STAR rated.
Relevant to consumable office products, our standards prioritize high levels of post-consumer recycled content, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Green Seal certification. For non-paper goods preference is given to items that are reusable or refillable and those with reduced packaging options. Electronic products such as lamps are to be ENERGY STAR rated.
Furniture and furnishings
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
Northwestern bid and contract documents include environmental impact specifications and these sustainability standards are included in the selection criteria process for contract award. Purchasing takes into account environmental impact and product lifecycle to minimize adverse social and environmental effects related to the production, transportation, use of, and disposal of materials. The process prioritizes securing contracts with suppliers that display environmental leadership in their respective markets. Higher consideration is given to products and organizations that are recognized by a governmental or respected certification body. Contractors and suppliers will be required to provide a corporate sustainability plan/policy for publication on the Northwestern’s Procurement website or iBuyNU
Relevant to furniture and furnishings, sustainability specifications include FSC and GREENGUARD certifications. Preference is also give for durability of goods, trade-ins or supplier take-back programs, and reclamation services.
Relevant to furniture and furnishings, sustainability specifications include FSC and GREENGUARD certifications. Preference is also give for durability of goods, trade-ins or supplier take-back programs, and reclamation services.
Information Technology (IT) and equipment
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
Sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings is in the Purchasing and Payment Policy and Procedures, the bid process for becoming a vendor, and the Northwestern University IT department’s, Energy Efficiency Computing Policy.
Within these policies, Northwestern prioritizes products and organizations that are recognized by a governmental or respected certification body when purchasing products. Relevant preferable goods and services are identified through the following authorities.
EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Program
EPA’s Environmental Preferred Products
EPA’s ENERGY STAR
Federal Energy Management Program Qualified Products
EPEAT - The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
BioPreferred and biobased designated products designated by the US Department of Agriculture
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Green Seal
GREENGUARD
EPA’s WaterSense
Within the bidding process, all vendors need to address pollution prevention, environmental attributes and costs throughout a product or service’s life cycle, relevant environmental impacts, and environmental performance. University-wide contract solicitations when feasible are required to meet the environmental certification guidance above.
Below text is from the NUIT policy found here: https://www.it.northwestern.edu/policies/energy.html
“Always think "energy-efficient" when making new purchases and buy equipment certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "ENERGY STAR" program. ENERGY STAR is a program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency, and ENERGY STAR-rated equipment will improve the University's energy and financial performance. According to Northwestern policy, all University equipment purchases must be ENERGY STAR-rated.
Laptop computers consume less energy than a mini-tower or full-sized desktop machine.
Networking/sharing a printer is a more energy/cost-efficient solution than purchasing multiple personal printers. Consider purchasing a printer capable of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. If you are looking for a personal printer, inkjet printers consume much less electricity than laser printers.
If available, consider buying "Green Computers." Several computer equipment manufacturers are currently developing PCs which are not only highly energy-efficient but are also manufactured in a resource efficient, and less polluting, manner; and are designed and built for eventual recycling.”
Within these policies, Northwestern prioritizes products and organizations that are recognized by a governmental or respected certification body when purchasing products. Relevant preferable goods and services are identified through the following authorities.
EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Program
EPA’s Environmental Preferred Products
EPA’s ENERGY STAR
Federal Energy Management Program Qualified Products
EPEAT - The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
BioPreferred and biobased designated products designated by the US Department of Agriculture
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Green Seal
GREENGUARD
EPA’s WaterSense
Within the bidding process, all vendors need to address pollution prevention, environmental attributes and costs throughout a product or service’s life cycle, relevant environmental impacts, and environmental performance. University-wide contract solicitations when feasible are required to meet the environmental certification guidance above.
Below text is from the NUIT policy found here: https://www.it.northwestern.edu/policies/energy.html
“Always think "energy-efficient" when making new purchases and buy equipment certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "ENERGY STAR" program. ENERGY STAR is a program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency, and ENERGY STAR-rated equipment will improve the University's energy and financial performance. According to Northwestern policy, all University equipment purchases must be ENERGY STAR-rated.
Laptop computers consume less energy than a mini-tower or full-sized desktop machine.
Networking/sharing a printer is a more energy/cost-efficient solution than purchasing multiple personal printers. Consider purchasing a printer capable of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. If you are looking for a personal printer, inkjet printers consume much less electricity than laser printers.
If available, consider buying "Green Computers." Several computer equipment manufacturers are currently developing PCs which are not only highly energy-efficient but are also manufactured in a resource efficient, and less polluting, manner; and are designed and built for eventual recycling.”
Food service providers
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
Our food service contract issued in 2018 incorporates sustainability throughout. This includes kitchen principles which prominently feature sustainability criteria. The culinary and sourcing standards below are taken from the contract.
1. Culinary Standards
• Menus are written based on seasonality and availability of fresh regional product. Whenever possible, these are produced locally using sustainable and organic practices.
• Vegetables are prepared and served in the smallest possible batches at the last possible minute.
• Healthy menu items are a mainstream offering in all Locations.
• Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful at every meal.
• Stocks, sauces, and salad dressings are made from scratch.
• Complete meals (including desert) shall be provided at each special dietary station including, among others, halal, kosher, vegan, and G-8.
2. Sourcing Standards
• All seafood purchases, wild and farmed, follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program sustainability guidelines for commercial buyers.
• Milk and yogurt are from cows not treated with artificial Bovine Growth Hormone.
• Shell and precracked (liquid) eggs are produced cage-free and are certified by Humane Farm Animal Care, Food Alliance or Animal Welfare Approved.
• Turkey and chicken are produced without the routine use of antibiotics as a feed additive.
• Hamburgers are made with fresh ground beef from cattle raised on vegetarian feed, never given antibiotics or hormones, and from ranches whose animal welfare practices are third-party verified.
• Other meats are raised without antibiotics as a first preference.
The vendor is required to provide sustainable procurement reports.
1. Culinary Standards
• Menus are written based on seasonality and availability of fresh regional product. Whenever possible, these are produced locally using sustainable and organic practices.
• Vegetables are prepared and served in the smallest possible batches at the last possible minute.
• Healthy menu items are a mainstream offering in all Locations.
• Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful at every meal.
• Stocks, sauces, and salad dressings are made from scratch.
• Complete meals (including desert) shall be provided at each special dietary station including, among others, halal, kosher, vegan, and G-8.
2. Sourcing Standards
• All seafood purchases, wild and farmed, follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program sustainability guidelines for commercial buyers.
• Milk and yogurt are from cows not treated with artificial Bovine Growth Hormone.
• Shell and precracked (liquid) eggs are produced cage-free and are certified by Humane Farm Animal Care, Food Alliance or Animal Welfare Approved.
• Turkey and chicken are produced without the routine use of antibiotics as a feed additive.
• Hamburgers are made with fresh ground beef from cattle raised on vegetarian feed, never given antibiotics or hormones, and from ranches whose animal welfare practices are third-party verified.
• Other meats are raised without antibiotics as a first preference.
The vendor is required to provide sustainable procurement reports.
Garments and linens
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
In 1999, Northwestern became an early member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), which is committed to proper working conditions for factory workers who produce apparel. In 2001, Northwestern affiliated with the Worker Rights Consortium in support of codes that ensure factories production clothing and other goods bearing university names respect the rights of workers.
Northwestern University has asked all of its licensees, manufacturers of apparel and non-apparel, to join the FLA, abide by the FLA Code of Conduct (including additional women's rights language), and fully disclose the location of factories producing products bearing Northwestern logos. Licensees that do not comply with this request will have their license annulled.
Details at https://www.northwestern.edu/auxiliary-services/trademark-licensing/practices-rights.html
Northwestern University has asked all of its licensees, manufacturers of apparel and non-apparel, to join the FLA, abide by the FLA Code of Conduct (including additional women's rights language), and fully disclose the location of factories producing products bearing Northwestern logos. Licensees that do not comply with this request will have their license annulled.
Details at https://www.northwestern.edu/auxiliary-services/trademark-licensing/practices-rights.html
Professional service providers
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
In addition to the aforementioned sustainability criteria publish in the Purchasing and Payment Policy and Procedures and the bid process, for all vendors, the university has a stated preference for diverse businesses and professional service providers.
“Business Diversity. Business diversity should be considered in purchasing decisions, when appropriate. This Program is NU’s initiative to create opportunities for vendors reflecting economic and cultural diversity to market their products to NU and to encourage University departments/schools to offer opportunities to such vendors. This includes small business enterprises (SBE), minority-owned business enterprises (MBE), woman-owned business enterprises (WBE), and local (Evanston) business enterprises (LBE).” To read more about Northwestern’s Business Diversity program see this website: https://www.northwestern.edu/procurement/vendors/business-diversity-program/index.html
“Business Diversity. Business diversity should be considered in purchasing decisions, when appropriate. This Program is NU’s initiative to create opportunities for vendors reflecting economic and cultural diversity to market their products to NU and to encourage University departments/schools to offer opportunities to such vendors. This includes small business enterprises (SBE), minority-owned business enterprises (MBE), woman-owned business enterprises (WBE), and local (Evanston) business enterprises (LBE).” To read more about Northwestern’s Business Diversity program see this website: https://www.northwestern.edu/procurement/vendors/business-diversity-program/index.html
Transportation and fuels
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
Electric Vehicles are the priority for our campus fleet. Facilities Management has led the way on this with 37% of its 70-vehicle fleet being sustainable electric vehicles. Northwestern has a commitment to eliminate the campus shuttle fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and to transition the campus fleet to run exclusively on renewable energy by 2030.
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.