| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.99 |
| Liaison | Sarah Gilly |
| Submission Date | Aug. 31, 2023 |
Stevens Institute of Technology
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Luke
Hansen Transportation and Sustainability Development Manager Facilities and Campus Operations |
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:
Like other college campuses, Stevens is constantly purchasing supplies from vendors, such as paper, computers, and furniture. The university has taken the initiative to source select products from local vendors as well as purchasing from locally sourced businesses. Through sustainable purchasing, Stevens contributes to reduced fuel emissions to transport products, increased local economies, and improved relationships with suppliers. For transparency, Stevens explicitly states where furniture and finishes are purchased and hopes to purchase recycled office paper and electronics that are EPEAT certified in the future.
Stevens seeks to create a healthy, sustainable and productive work environment. Campus purchasing standards include:
- Preference for purchasing electronics which are EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) certified
- Preference for purchasing goods and services from businesses located within 250 miles of Stevens
- Preference for purchasing recycled office paper that is Forest Stewardship Council certified over virgin paper (paper that has not been recycled before)
- Preference for purchasing low VOC paint and furnishings
- Preference for purchasing Green Seal certified janitorial products
- Switch to purchasing only tree-free restroom paper products
- New furniture and finishes will incorporate standards from:
- Cradle to Cradle Certification: Assesses a product’s safety to humans and the environment for present and future life cycles
- Scientific Certification Sciences Indoor Advantage Certification: Meets strict IAQ (indoor air quality) emission limits to support a healthy indoor environment
- Greenguard Environmental Institute: Certifies product and materials for low chemical and particulate emissions for a healthier environment
- Forest Stewardship Council: Verified from forest of origin through supply chain ensuring product is from reasonably harvested sources
https://www.stevens.edu/sustainability/stevens-sustainability-initiatives#purchasing
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:
The university’s Efficiency and Sustainability Operating Procedures are posted on its website. Stevens uses low-calcium snow melt. Our green cleaning policy stipulates that cleaning products must meet at least one environmental standard. The policy also limits the use of harsh chemicals, unless necessary. The integrated pest management vendor shall certify annually their use of organic-only products.
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:
Stevens is part of the Staples sustainability program. On the purchasing page for office paper, FSC products are given preferred status.
Stevens has made LED lights the campus standard.
Tree-free toilet paper is the standard.
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:
Our Efficiency and Sustainability Operating Procedures set forth the university’s purchasing standards. Furnishings and paints shall be low-VOC products. Criteria for furniture and finishes must incorporate standards from the following: Cradle-to-Cradle certification, SCS Indoor Advantage certification, Greenguard Environmental Institute, and the Forest Stewardship Council.
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:
There is a published preference in our Computer Asset Standardization, Procurement and Replacement Program policy.
https://support.stevens.edu/support/solutions/articles/19000080079
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:
Exhibit G of Dining Services Provider contract details all sustainability requirements. See document attached.
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:
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:
The Efficiency and Sustainability Operating Procedures establish that hybrid vehicles should be purchased, when possible.
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.