Purchase College - State University of New York
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

As a New York State Agency, Purchase adheres to any requirements set forth by the Governor's Office: On April 28, 2008, New York Gov. Paterson signed an Executive Order (EO4) establishing a New York State "Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program," to promote policies within state agencies and authorities that reduce the consumption of materials and energy and reduce potential impacts on public health and the environment. As a result, SUNY is required, where applicable, to purchase environmentally-friendly commodities, services and technology and develop sustainability and stewardship programs. See: http://system.suny.edu/procurement/green-purchasing/ The SUNY-wide Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program of the State University of New York strives to assure that MWBE firms around New York State are given equal opportunities to have business with all SUNY campuses in various fields including construction, construction consultants, commodities and consultant/services. See: https://www.suny.edu/meansbusiness/mwbe/

Executive Order 88 Guidelines stipulate that life cycle cost analysis is one of the primary assessment tools used to evaluate whether a particular energy conservation measure or an energy-related capital project should be implemented. When deciding between multiple project alternatives, the alternative with the overall lowest life cycle cost should be the one selected. The following language is included in the Executive Order 88 Guidelines: EO88 Guidelines Page 12: Although typically not required for ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits, “cost-effective” measures will be determined using Life Cycle Cost Analysis (“LCCA”). A portfolio may include, but shall not be limited to, no-cost and low-cost operational improvements, retro-commissioning, capital energy efficiency retrofits, on-site renewable and high-efficiency combined heat and power, and other measures identified by the CMIT. 1. How are "required capital projects" defined? (EO88 Guidelines Page 14) Any energy efficiency measure, or combination of energy efficiency measures, which result from an energy audit, and are deemed “cost-effective” shall be considered a required capital project. State Entities shall complete, or make substantial progress toward completion, any cost-effective measures identified during an energy audit or similar study within two years of the study’s completion. Cost-effectiveness shall be determined by a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (“LCCA”). Specific parameters for the LCCA account for: • Initial Costs—Purchase, Acquisition, Construction Costs • Fuel Costs • Documented Operation, Maintenance, and Repair Costs • Replacement Costs • Residual Values—Resale or Salvage Values or Disposal Costs • Finance Charges—Loan Interest Payments Appendix D - Determining Project Cost-Effectiveness (EO88 Guidelines Page 32) Executive Order 88 explicitly requires that buildings with low benchmark scores must undergo an ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit. State Entities must then implement a cost-effective portfolio of measures and complete or make substantial progress toward completion of such measures within two years of the audit.1 For the purposes of EO 88, a project shall be considered cost-effective if the calculated Savings-to-Investment Ratio (“SIR”) is greater than or equal to 1.20. Additionally, when evaluating multiple, mutually exclusive alternatives, the alternative with the lowest life-cycle cost (“LCC”) is considered the most cost-effective and should be selected for installation. Life Cycle -Cost Analysis Overview (EO88 Guidelines Page 32) Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (“LCCA”) evaluates the costs and savings that occur from owning, operating, maintaining, replacing, and disposing of an efficiency measure over its lifetime. This method typically discounts costs and savings to reflect the time value of money. Because it accounts for all costs and savings over the full life-cycle of the measure, LCCA provides the most accurate assessment of a project’s long-term cost-effectiveness. Applying LCCA ensures that State Entities maximize savings opportunities and will ultimately help achieve the goals of EO 88.

Purchase abides by NYS Executive Order 4 which states that all cleaning products used in school buildings, either by building staff or by outsourced service providers, must meet the guidelines and specifications developed by the New York State Office of General Services. Green Seal approved cleaning supplies are preferred purchases for Purchase. https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/executive-order-4-approved-specifications Cleaning products shall meet Green Seal GS-37 standards. If GS-37 is not applicable, products should comply with the California Code of Regulations maximum allowable Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) levels (http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regs/regs.htm).

In 2009, Article 4-C of New York State's Public Buildings Law was passed mandating that the construction and substantial renovation of state buildings comply with “green” building standards. The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) is obligated to promulgate rules and regulations establishing the construction requirements and procedures necessary to implement Article 4-C. While the Act took effect immediately, the agency green building construction requirements took effect on August 26, 2010. http://www.ogs.ny.gov/EO/GBCA/Default.asp The State University Construction Fund (SUCF) manages the majority of non-residential major construction and renovation projects on campus. SUCF Directive I1B issued in December 2013 includes the following LEED requirements: a) Design and construct the project to comply with the criteria for a Silver rating per the USGBC LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system. At the request of the SUCF a higher rating of Gold or Platinum may be required. b) Register the project with USGBC, and allow the SUCF and the Campus access. c) Certification of the project by USGBC may be required and will be decided by the SUCF based on the request of the Campus. http://www.sucf.suny.edu/pdf/dir/1B-7.pdf The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) manages all major renovation and new construction residence hall projects. DASNY promotes and supports sustainable design approaches and construction practices. Initial programming meetings for every project shall define specific sustainable goals which will be included in all discussions, including those determining budget and scheduling. In addition, as of January 1, 2008, all projects that are new construction, addition, or significant renovation shall include a goal of LEED Silver and shall be fully submitted to the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for a rating review. http://www.dasny.org/About/DASNYProfessionalExpertise/Sustainability/GreenPolicyforConstruction.aspx

Purchase follows the SUNY System's anti-sweatshop policy and a corresponding anti-sweatshop procedure. This policy and procedure are enforced on an ongoing basis, especially with apparel and sports equipment purchases originating from Athletics and Recreation. The SUNY Anti-Sweatshop Policy (policy #7559) found at and the anti-sweatshop procedure (procedure #7560), governs purchases of apparel, textiles, and sports equipment. In accordance with the procedure, anytime the College or its contractors purchase apparel or sports equipment, vendor is required to complete a Certification of Compliance with Fair Labor Conditions form, certifying that the manufacturing of the items is "done in compliance with all applicable labor and occupational safety laws including but not limited to child labor laws, wage and hour laws and workplace safety laws." http://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=670 http://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=672

The college participates and complies with NYS Executive Law article 15-A that sets a goal that 30% of purchases must be from MWBE (Minority and Women Owned Businesses) vendors. https://www.suny.edu/meansbusiness/mwbe/ https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/48854.html

As per Executive Order 111: State agencies and other affected entities shall procure increasing percentages of alternative-fuel vehicles, including hybrid-electric vehicles, as part of their annual vehicle acquisition plans. By 2005, at least 50 percent of new light-duty vehicles acquired by each agency and affected entity shall be alternative-fueled vehicles, and by 2010, 100 percent of all new light-duty vehicles shall be alternative-fueled vehicles, with the exception of specialty, police or emergency vehicles as designated by DOB. State agencies and other affected entities that operate medium- and heavy duty vehicles shall implement strategies to reduce petroleum consumption and emissions by using alternative fuels and improving vehicle fleet fuel efficiency.

Executive Order 4 requires the purchase of all copy paper, janitorial paper and other paper supplies purchased by each State agency or authority shall be composed of 100% post-consumer recycled content as well as FSC certified wood. https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/71389.html