University at Albany
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

The SUNY system adheres to Executive Order 4, which requires reporting on waste and sustainable purchases. The Green NY website has resources on contracts, specifications and other resources related to sustainable purchases. https://www.ogs.state.ny.us/greenny/Default.asp The SUNY Standard contract clauses prohibit the purchase of tropical hardwoods. Typically, wood sourced in construction contracts is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Diesel emissions: The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2006 requires contractors to certify and warrant that all heavy duty vehicles, as defined in New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) section 19-0323, used by the contractors, their agents or subcontractors, comply with the specifications and provisions of section 19-0323 and any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Contractors unless specifically waived by Department of Environmental Conservation are required to use the Best Available Retrofit Technology and Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel. Qualification for a waiver under this law will be the sole responsibility of the contractor. THE NYS Office of General Services provides specifications for green purchasing to all state agencies. Some of these are product specific but other guidelines can be applied to a variety of commodities, such as the one on packaging. See: https://www.ogs.state.ny.us/greenny/specs/green-specs-MPL.asp

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.

Executive Order 4 encourages the use of green cleaning supplies. The use of green seal approved cleaner and low VOC paints is the university standard

Executive Order 4 indicates a preference for products that are made from recycled materials and/or are regionally sourced. NYS OGS provides guidelines for construction material. See: https://www.ogs.state.ny.us/greenny/green-product-specs.asp Examples include: acoustical ceiling standard https://www.ogs.state.ny.us/greenny/specs/green-specs-AcousticalCeiling.asp Carpet and Tile specifications: https://www.ogs.state.ny.us/greenny/specs/green-specs-CarpetandCarpettile.asp

Executive Order 4 requires the purchase of 100% recycled paper and janitorial paper products as well as FSC certified wood.