| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.64 |
| Liaison | Kimberly Post |
| Submission Date | Feb. 22, 2022 |
Saint Joseph's College - ME
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Kimberly
Post Community-Based Learning Director Academic Affairs |
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:
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:
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:
Details under Cleaning Products tab
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:
Details under Paper Products tab
Paper Products
The following paper products will meet Green Seal or UL EcoLogo certification:
Toilet paper
Napkins (purchased outside of Dining)
Paper towels
Tissues
Stationery (envelopes and letterhead) will contain recycled content of 30%.
Saint Joseph’s College bans use of virgin copy paper on campus and will purchase copy paper (sizes 8.5 x 11; 14; 12 x 17; and 12 x 18 inches) containing at least 50% recycled content.
To accommodate the use of copy paper made from recycled content, the College will lease or purchase copiers or printers compatible with copy paper made from recycled content.
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:
Furniture:
Furniture for all new construction projects and renovated areas and/or purchases will obtain Level certification or be Cradle to Cradle certified.
Preference will be given to flame-retardant free furniture for fire safety purposes and to avoid the toxic chemicals.
Individuals and departments are encouraged to purchase furniture that meets Level standards or
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rKfbVzEBEgom80Sxg2xq550X4b1EF5k4BY9xfaz8ipQ/edit#gid=345908389
Details under Furniture
Cradle to Cradle certification.
Environmental Sustainability Considerations: Demonstrating Responsible Stewardship of Resources
Commitment to purchasing and using products, supplies, and items that are third party certified for ... building supplies, furniture, and more
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:
Details under Electronics tab
Electronics Products
All of the following products will meet Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool EPEAT standards:
Desk tops
Laptops
Printers
TV Monitors will meet EPEAT silver standards; the College will explore EPEAT gold options once they are available on the market.
The College leases its copiers, and will explore EPEAT Gold options when the new RFP process begins.
When purchasing, SJC members will consider and prioritize the lifespan, functionality, and durability of a product (in addition to cost) in order to minimize waste and obsolescence of purchases.
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:
Saint Joseph's College now runs its own food service (Pearson's Café) and hires a significant amount of students each year. Pearson's also works with a local organization to employ people with special needs and with alter-abilities. Almost all foods are sourced locally (including NH, VT, MA) and preference is given to small Maine farms and businesses. Pearson's also runs a freight farm and grows lettuces, herbs, and edible flowers for the campus and special events.
Our sourcing with a sustainability approach is published on our website (link below). We seek strategic sourcing partnerships with B-Corps before opening our product search to the broader market. Companies that declare a commitment to being climate friendly and have corporate responsibility statements that align with our commitments are prioritized. Buying in bulk, prepping vegetables and fruits in-house, and other steps are taken to discourage excess plastic and packaging and single use items are compostable or made from corn plastics which require less energy to be produced and broken down. Read more about it here:
https://www.sjcme.edu/life-and-community/dining-services/philosophy
https://www.sjcme.edu/life-and-community/dining-services/local-partners/
Because the food service is owned and operated by the college, it must follow sustainability criteria established by the college regarding hiring, sustainable purchasing, waste management, social justice, etc.
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:
Sustainability Vendor Code of Conduct
This Sustainability Vendor Code of Conduct is a set of holistic sustainability (environmental, social, and economic) guidelines to consider when hiring vendors and partners in addition to the criterion of cost, function, and aesthetic.
The College will ask about the following considerations when appropriate and relevant to the vendors’ industry, product, and/or service being delivered; these considerations apply to the business and its franchisees (if applicable).
Guiding Considerations Across Environmental Sustainability, Social Justice,
and Economic Viability
Environmental Sustainability Considerations: Demonstrating Responsible Stewardship of Resources
Sustainability is explicitly stated as a priority of the company/organization across its activities.
Established corporate social responsibility program or initiative with transparent methods for regularly assessing and reporting on progress towards goals and implementation of policies.
Adherence to a company-wide Climate Action and Sustainability Plan that is publicly available with a transparent reporting on progress towards goals and implementation of relevant policies.
Explicit commitment to give preference to locally produced goods and services purchased from a local and independent business in order to strengthen the economic base of the community and minimize the externalities associated with products produced by large multinational corporations, such as emissions from transportation and extra materials used in packaging.
Commitment to purchasing and using products, supplies, and items that are third party certified for cleaning products, equipment, paper products, building supplies, furniture, and more (such as alternative vehicles).
Company tracks its greenhouse gas emissions, water intensity, and material waste
Commitment to use resources responsibly: minimize waste, recycle materials, and divert waste from the landfill, use post consumer recycled materials in the production of finished products, use third party certified efficient equipment, technologies, materials, and supplies, reduce its resource footprint (carbon, water, energy, and waste) of their operations.
Vendors are encouraged to provide evidence of their adherence to such recognized norms of environmental quality and performance.
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:
Fleet:
...preference shall be given to acquiring fuel-efficient, alternatively fueled and low-emission vehicles that meet one or more of these criteria:
Fuel efficiency: vehicles achieving at least 40 miles per gallon) or;
Emissions: meeting the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (SULEV) or Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards;
Battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles including passenger vehicles, golf carts and people movers; and
Alternative fueled vehicles: powered by propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), E-85, hydrogen or biodiesel (blend of B20 or greater).
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.