Pace University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
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Reporter |
Part 1. Institution-wide sustainable procurement policies
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
In support of Pace University’s commitment to sustainability, this Green Purchasing Policy
facilitates decision-making at all levels of purchasing. All departments are expected to support
the policy and implement the guidelines to the fullest extent possible.
Green purchasing integrates environmentally and socially responsible considerations into all
purchasing decisions for materials, products, and services. Also known as “environmentally
preferable purchasing,” green purchasing includes the acquisition of products containing the
highest recycled content possible, bio-based products, energy and water efficient products, toxic-
free products. Green purchasing also includes buying products and services that are made and
sold in socially acceptable fashions.
Product Lifecycle Approach
Products have environmental impacts throughout their lifetimes, from the early stages, including
manufacturing and transport, and finally, end-of-life (i.e., “cradle-to-grave”). To meet
expectations, requirements, and ensure compliance with regulations of sustainability with Pace
University, suppliers must demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship in their
products. The following areas should be closely examined before a purchase is made.
1) Product Origin and Transport
In making purchasing decisions, it is essential to consider the origin and transportation of
products. Generally, the closer a product’s site of origin, the fewer fossil fuels are required in
its transport. Product origin includes both the company manufacturing the product as well as
the geographic location of the original product. Some companies maintain internal
environmental requirements for production sustainability. If feasible, such companies should
be given priority in purchasing decisions. Questions to ask when examining the origin and
transport of products include:
a) Does the company have an environmental policy or standard? Is it reflected in their
marketing materials, their web site and the knowledge of their sales staff?
b) Is the company ISO 14001 certified or do they have any products that meet
environmental standards or guidelines?
c) Does the company or manufacturer have a past pollution record?
d) Where is the product manufactured?
e) What country or state is the product being shipped from?
2) Product Materials & Manufacturing
Products, materials selection and consistency is critical and all materials must meet high
quality and performance standards while sourcing environmentally responsible materials,
including those made from renewable resources. A manufacturing process of products should
result in the most minimal environmental and health impacts as possible, and produced in
ways that are socially responsible. Questions to ask when examining the product materials
and manufacturing process:
a) Is the product and its parts reusable? Are they recyclable?
b) Is the product made from certified sustainable materials? How are the materials obtained?
c) Does the product contain the highest percentage of post consumer waste (PCW) content
as possible? Does it contain recycled or used material?
d) Does the product have a long service life; is it economical to repair?
e) Does the manufacturing of the product produce environmental harm? Are the workers
exposed to unhealthy conditions?
f) Does the company practice fair trade?
g) Are the products or services produced in an ethical manner without violation of human
rights?
3) Hazardous Material
Hazardous material has both negative environmental and human health consequences.
Fortunately, non-hazardous options are available in the market for most materials used by the
University. While non-hazardous alternatives are sometimes more expensive to purchase,
their long-term benefits to the environment and to their human handlers more than make up
for the initial investment. In all purchasing decisions, buyers should consider less-hazardous,
sustainable options. Many products are specifically marketed as such. Questions to ask when
examining a product’s hazardous material include:
a) Does the product contain any hazardous substances – either to human health or the
environment?
b) If hazardous materials are present, how will it complicate and increase the cost of
recycling?
c) Is there a non-toxic hazard-free alternative to the product?
4) Energy Consumption
Saving energy can significantly decrease overhead costs, while also reducing impact on the
environment (e.g., by reducing release of pollution associated with the generation of energy
or manufacturing of a product). Questions to ask when considering a product, or a product
that consumes energy, such as light bulbs, appliances, and other equipment include:
a) How is the product made, is it an energy intensive process, are there alternatives?
b) Does the company use alternative energy sources, such as wind or solar, to produce its
products?
c) Is the product’s energy efficiency high?
d) Is the product rechargeable?
e) Does the product run on renewable energy, either in whole or in part?
5) Packaging
The packaging of products, as well as the packaging of the shipments of products, generates
an excessive amount of waste. Some companies are improving and continue to improve their
manufacturing and shipping practices, but consumers can make an impact as well. A
reduction in the amount of waste entering our waste streams, the supporting of eco-friendly
packaging, and by recycling and reusing materials, we will help save natural resources and
energy, and reduce pollution. Questions to ask when examining a product’s packaging and
its shipment material include:
a) Is the item necessary?
b) Can it be purchased in bulk to reduce the product’s packaging amount?
c) What is the packaging material made of? Is it recycled content, sustainable,
biodegradable, or recyclable material?
d) Can the packaging be reused, returned, composted, or properly recycled?
e) Does the product and or its shipping container contain minimal packaging, or use
returnable or reusable shipping containers?
6) Product End-of-Life
Minimizing environmental impacts also involves management of the waste generated at the
end of the product’s life. A disposal system and technology must exist through recycling; a
product that is recyclable is only green if you can recycle it. Questions to ask when
examining a product’s end of life:
a) Will the company take back their products for recycling?
b) Are the parts of the product recyclable?
c) Will the product biodegrade? If yes, in what time frame?
This Policy was drafted by the Purchasing Subcommittee of the GreenPace Sustainability
Committee. For more information on Pace’s green initiatives, visit
http://www.pace.edu/sustainability.
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:
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:
Consumable office products
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
Furniture and furnishings
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
Information Technology (IT) and equipment
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
Food service providers
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
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:
Transportation and fuels
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
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.