Overall Rating Platinum
Overall Score 86.87
Liaison Carrie Metzgar
Submission Date Nov. 5, 2024

STARS v2.2

University of California, San Diego
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 3.00 Anthony Singleton
Chief Small Business Officer
Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1. Institution-wide sustainable procurement policies

Does the institution have written policies, guidelines, or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across multiple commodity categories institution-wide?:
Yes

A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
UC-ES-24-700_SustainablePractices_2024Updates_Accessible.pdf

The policies, guidelines or directives:

The University of California Sustainable Practices Policy includes a section of policy outlining sustainable procurement targets, goals, and requirements. UC San Diego adheres to the directives on the systemwide policy. View UC Sustainable Practices policy, Section G. Sustainable Procurement: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/3100155/SustainablePractices  

Summary of Section G. Sustainable Procurement:  

Targets: 

  • 100% compliance with Green Spend criteria within 3 fiscal years  

  • 25% Green Spend per product category within 3 fiscal years  

  • 25% Socially and Economically Responsible Spend within 5 fiscal years 

Reporting: 

  • Report on "Sustainable Spend" (overlap of Green and Socially Responsible Spend) starting from 2018/19 fiscal year 

Procurement Requirements:  

  • Minimum 15% of evaluation points for sustainability criteria in competitive solicitations 

  • Consideration of take-back programs, total cost of ownership, packaging (no Styrofoam), and supplier transparency in procurement decisions 

 

The University of California Sustainable Procurement Guidelines act as a companion to the Sustainable Procurement section of the UC Sustainable Practices Policy. It lays out the minimum sustainability requirements for products and services purchased by the University of California and identifies those product attributes that are strongly preferred, if not mandatory. It further defines the green spend, economically & socially responsible spend and sustainable spend in order to meet the sustainable procurement targets. 


Part 2. Life Cycle Cost Analysis 

Does the institution employ Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) when evaluating energy- and water-using products and systems?:
Yes

Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
Institution employs LCCA as a matter of policy and standard practice when evaluating all energy- and water-using products, systems and building components

A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:

The University of California Sustainable Practices Policy calls for campuses to prioritize recyclability, durability and other life-cycle concerns in a range of supply chain decisions. UC San Diego’s procurement utilizes the life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) when evaluating the total cost of ownership, including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal costs. By considering the long-term financial implications, UC San Diego can identify products that offer environmental and economic benefits over their entire life cycle. Through UC’s comprehensive sustainability policy, UC San Diego demonstrates its commitment to responsible procurement practices, promoting environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and long-term cost-effectiveness across its campuses. 

Supporting links: 


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

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:

UC San Diego follows the UC Sustainable Guidelines on janitorial products. The policy requires 25% minimum spend with products that meet the following certifications: Blue Angel labeled (German Federal Environment Agency), Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program, ECOLOGO certified (UL Environment), EU Ecolabel, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certified, Green Seal® certified, Nordic Swan labeled (Nordic Ecolabelling Board), U.S. EPA Safer Choice labeled, Other multi-criteria sustainability standards and ISO Type 1 ecolabels developed/administered by, Global Ecolabelling Network and/or ISEAL Alliance member organizations. 

UC San Diego also follows the Chemicals of Concern guidelines in the UC policy (page 28): https://www.ucop.edu/procurement-services/for-ucstaff/sustainable-procurement/sustainableprocurementguidelines.pdf 

Also, through UC San Diego’s "ChemCycle" program, researchers are encouraged to use/reuse surplus chemicals, rather than buying new. This practice helps to reduce the amount of hazardous chemicals used by the University.  

Supporting Links: 


Consumable office products

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating consumable office products?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:

When procuring consumable office products, UC San Diego considers the following sustainability factors to make informed decisions and contribute to a circular economy: 

As per UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines, sustainability criteria have been set for copy paper, paper office supplies, non-paper office supplies, and toner.  

  •  Copy Paper - A minimum of 30% of copy paper is required to be Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCRC) or agricultural residue content or Green Seal (GS-07) certified.  

  • Paper Office Supplies - A minimum of 30% of paper office supplies other than copy paper are required to be Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCRC) certified.  

  • Non-Paper Office Supplies - Required to meet the minimum EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) recycled-content levels for Non-Paper Office Products and a minimum of 30% recycled content for all writing utensils (dry erase markers, highlighters, markers, pens, and pencils) or other plastic-based accessories.  

  • Toner - Consider Remanufactured or High Yield.  

 

Supporting Links: 


Furniture and furnishings

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating furniture and furnishings?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:

UC San Diego adheres to the UC Sustainable Procurement Guidelines for furniture, requiring GREENGUARD Gold or SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certification and exclusion of six classes of chemicals of concern. Additional certifications may include BIFMA Level, C2C, HHI, FSC, recognized textiles, HPD, or Declare labels.  

UC San Diego emphasizes green building practices, ensuring all new and major renovation projects achieve at least LEED Gold certification and strive for Platinum, exceeding California Title 24 energy standards by 20-30%. Projects focus on site conservation, water and energy efficiency, material conservation, and indoor environmental quality. Designs must incorporate lifecycle costing and sustainability strategies.  

Supporting Links: 


Information Technology (IT) and equipment

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) and equipment?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:

Under the UC Sustainable Practices Policy, all desktop computers, laptops, and monitors purchased by the University must meet at least EPEAT® Bronze-level certification, with preference for EPEAT® Silver or Gold. Recyclers of the University's electronic equipment must be e-Steward certified by the Basel Action Network (BAN). The policy encourages manufacturers with take-back programs to become BAN-certified e-Steward Enterprises.   

Supporting links: 


Food service providers

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food service providers?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:

UC San Diego has sustainability goals in the following four areas of sustainable food service practices:

1. Food Procurement: Aim to source 25% sustainable food products by 2030, ensuring accessibility and affordability. UC San Diego has already achieved this goal. 

2. Education: Provide educational materials to support patrons' sustainable food choices. 

3. Engagement with External Stakeholders: Collaborate with surrounding communities to support sustainable food systems. 

4. Sustainable Operations: Strive for third-party “green business” certifications for dining operations. UC San Diego already has a Green Restaurant Association-certified vendor. 

Retail food service tenants will follow these policies, with flexibility for nationally-branded franchises through aggregated sustainable food purchases. Lease agreements will include sustainability clauses, with ongoing efforts to advance sustainable practices within current leases. 

 

Supporting Links:  


Garments and linens 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating garments and linens?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:

UC San Diego is a member of the Worker Rights Consortium and the Fair Labor Association. On March 17, 2017, the University of California issued an updated Trademark Licensing Code of Conduct Policy, replacing the January 2000 version. This policy update, endorsed by President Napolitano, aligns with UC’s policy format, expands its scope to all UC locations, defines key terms, and strengthens provisions to ensure UC trademarked goods are produced under fair, safe, and humane working conditions. The revision underscores UC’s commitment to high ethical standards and socially responsible production, reflecting its ongoing leadership in improving worker rights in collaboration with national civil society leaders. 

The University of California Trademark Licensing Code of Conduct stipulates the criteria when evaluating garments and linens by stating that “goods bearing the names of the University or its campuses, abbreviations of these names, logos, mascots, seals, or other trademarks owned by UC must be produced under fair, safe, and humane working conditions. Thus, all goods bearing UC Trademarks, regardless of end use – including retail and promotional items, gifts, uniforms, or other uses – must be produced or otherwise sourced only through companies authorized, by virtue of a licensing or other agreement, to place UC trademarks onto products (e.g., apparel, school supplies, toys, and promotional goods).” 

Supporting Links: 


Professional service providers

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional service providers?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:

For professional service providers, the UC Office of the Chief Investment Officer ensures fund managers prioritize sustainability, assess ESG risks, and report on their efforts. The UC Sustainable Practices Policy and Guidelines have set best practices for the purchase of services broadly. Per policy, UC San Diego has committed to allocating a minimum of 15% of the points utilized in competitive solicitation evaluations to sustainability criteria. Criteria may include, but are not limited to, sustainable product attributes, supplier diversity, supplier practices, contributions to health and wellbeing, and materials safety.  

UC San Diego’s Professional Service Agreement also includes statutory and other requirements pertaining to nondiscrimination, revailing wage rates, payroll records, apprentices, and work day. 

Supporting Links: 


Transportation and fuels

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:

Per the UC Sustainable Practices Policy and consistent with the State of California goal of increasing alternative fuel-specifically electric – vehicle usage, the University will promote purchases and support investment in alternative fuel infrastructure at each location. Each UC location will reduce GHG emissions from its fleet and implement strategies to reduce emissions from University-owned or operated fleet vehicles to align with UC’s climate action goals.  

Goals and targets for sustainable transportation and fuels: 

  • After July 1, 2023, zero-emission vehicles, plug-in hybrid, or dedicated clean transportation fueled vehicles will account for at least 50% of all vehicle acquisitions (including both leased and purchased vehicles). 

  • All sedans and minivan acquisitions will be zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicles, except for public safety vehicles with special performance requirements. 

  • In applications where zero-emission vehicles are not available, regardless of vehicle size class, the use of clean transportation fuels and other low-emission fuels will be prioritized. 

  • Vehicle acquisitions plans should meet the State's goal (outlined in Executive Order N-79-20) that all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks (under 8,500 lbs.) acquired after January 1, 2035, and all medium-and heavy-duty vehicles acquired or operated after January 1, 2045, will be zero-emission.  

  • By 2025, each location will strive to have at least 4.5% of commuter vehicles be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV).  

  • By 2050, each location will strive to have at least 30% of commuter vehicles be ZEV.  

Supporting Links: 


Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable procurement program or initiatives is available:
https://ipps.ucsd.edu/about/sustainability/index.html

Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Points of contact for credit information:  

  • Anthony Singleton, Chief Small Business Officer, Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions
  • Lynda Ta, Bid Process and Sustainability Specialist, Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions  

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.