| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.89 |
| Liaison | Christa Rieck |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2022 |
University of Houston
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.25 / 3.00 |
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:
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."
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:
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:
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:
Section 7 of University of Houston’s Design Guidelines requires all new capital projects and major renovation projects to be certified to LEED Silver or better standards. UH’s master specifications in turn direct contractors to furnish and install sustainable components such as flooring, ceiling tiles, walls and paint in line with LEED requirements. Please see the representative sample of UH master specifications attached under "additional documentation to support the submission" for the sustainable criteria related to key furnishings.
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:
University of Houston electronics are purchased at EPEAT silver level.
http://www.uh.edu/finance/Departments/HUB/store/dell/
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:
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:
The University of Houston has various guidelines and policies that prioritize sustainable and historically disadvantaged businesses for our professional services.
Firstly, The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston (UH) is committed to promoting the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurement. The HUB Program ensures compliance with state HUB laws, assists UH departments in locating HUB vendors; as well as offering HUBs assistance to facilitate access and contracting opportunities.https://www.uh.edu/office-of-finance/hub/
Additionally, Facilities Planning and construction master specifications state that 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."
See section 7, "Sustainable Design": https://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/vendor-resources/owners-design-criteria/design-guidelines/
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:
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.