University of Houston
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

The University of Houston System supports and encourages historically underutilized businesses (HUBs). The programs, policies, and procedures described in this administrative memorandum apply to all purchases and procurement for goods and services for the System and its component universities. For the purposes of this policy, a “historically underutilized business” is a for-profit corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or joint venture, with a principal place of business in this state, in which at least 51 percent is owned, controlled, operated, and actively managed by one or more persons who have been economically disadvantaged because of their membership in a certain group, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American women, Asian Pacific Americans, Native Americans and/or Service-Disabled Veterans (see Texas Government Code, Section 2161.001). Additionally, Chartwells, the chosen service provider for the University Master Food Service Agreement is held to the following regarding sustainable business practices: "University of Houston Dining Service’s approach to social responsibility and sustainability is tied into our overall Balanced U wellness programming. Through a variety of innovative programs and policies, we work closely with the communities we serve to reduce the impact our operations have on the world around us. Our focus on recycling, resource conservation, and waste reduction not only helps us operate more efficiently, but it also lets us ensure that the resources we use today will be available for future generations. Our Balanced U Sustainability approach addresses four basic tenets of sustainable and socially responsible business practices."

UH contracts out custodial services to Metroclean who employs a green cleaning policy and program that uses chemicals and supplies that are safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable. The policy and program states staff uses products that: • Do not contain dyes • Are not delivered by aerosol cans • Are not corrosive or irritating to the skin or eyes • Do not constitute as hazardous waste • Are not toxic to humans or aquatic life • Are not combustible or flammable • Do not contain any ozone-depleting compounds, greenhouse gases, or substances that contribute to smog or poor indoor quality • Do not contain any carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens • Do not contain chlorinated solvents • Do not contain heavy metals or harmful organic chemicals • Do not contain bio accumulative substances http://www.metrocleanonline.com/index.php/leadgreen/

Planning and construction master specifications state a preference for LEED standards: "Product Data for Credit MR 4: For products having recycled content, documentation indicating percentages by weight of postconsumer and preconsumer recycled content. Include statement indicating cost for each product having recycled content." http://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/vendor-resources/owners-design-criteria/master-specs/Division%2012%20-%20Furnishings.pdf

University of Houston electronics are purchased at EPEAT silver level. http://www.uh.edu/finance/Departments/HUB/store/dell/

The University of Houston launched initiatives to meet the Partnership for a Healthier America standards on campus wellness. A sample of criteria is listed below: I.A.7. – Implement a comprehensive, strategic product placement/merchandising program/policy within dining venues to encourage healthier food consumptions. I.A.8. – Offer a comparable plant-based food option at every platform serving meat. I.B.2. – Offer tray-less dining in at least 75% of dining venues. I.E.1 – Make free water available in all dining recreational and educational facilities. I.F.1. – Make available Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for personal nutrition assessments and counseling to all students. III.B.2. – Implement a program/policy that identifies students who may be ‘food insecure’ and provide options on campus. I.C.1. – Ensure that a minimum of 50% 30% of each vending snack machine content is a healthier food option and a minimum of 20% of each beverage machine is a healthier beverage option. https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2016/May/0519Partnership-For-A-Healthier-America.php https://www.ahealthieramerica.org/our-partners/university-of-houston-47

Planning and construction master specifications state pre-construction meetings, as well as project management coordination, include a standing agenda review of sustainable design requirements. Specifically, the specifications for meetings and decisions include a review of: "Significant qualities may include attributes such as performance, weight, size, durability, visual effect, sustainable design characteristics, warranties, and specific features and requirements indicated." Additionally, campus design guidelines require Environmentally Responsible (“Sustainable”) Design that state: "In addition to other requirements, provide design and construction that minimizes adverse effects on the exterior environment, enhances the quality of the indoor environment, and minimizes consumption of energy, water, construction materials, and other resources." http://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/vendor-resources/owners-design-criteria/design-guidelines/CAMPUS%20DESIGN%20GUIDELINES%20AND%20STANDARDS%20JANUARY%202018.pdf

The UH printing and postal department carries and purchases FSC paper products. http://www.uh.edu/af-university-services/printing-and-postal/fsc-go-green/ Additionally, planning and construction master specifications state a preference for LEED standards: "Certificates for [Credit MR 6] [Credit MR 7]: Chain-of-custody certificates indicating that wood products comply with forest certification requirements. Include documentation that manufacturer is certified for chain of custody by an FSC-accredited certification body. Include statement indicating cost for each certified wood product. Product Data for Credit IEQ 4.4: For adhesives and composite wood products, documentation indicating that product contains no urea formaldehyde." http://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/vendor-resources/owners-design-criteria/master-specs/Division%2012%20-%20Furnishings.pdf