Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 72.89
Liaison Miriam Keep
Submission Date Feb. 27, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.75 / 3.00 Micah Kenfield
Sustainability Coordinator
Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1: Institution-Wide Policies 

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

A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
---

The policies, guidelines or directives:
University departments and units should purchase products with recycled material content whenever cost, specifications, standards, and availability are comparable to products without recycled content. The University will identify those items that are frequently purchased for which recycled-content items can be substituted. Additional preference will be given to the specification of items with the highest percentage content of recycled material.Examples of products and materials covered include, but are not limited to: office supplies, paper products, building materials, lubricants of all types, reprocessed chemicals, remanufactured parts, landscape products (yard waste), and materials used in pavement construction projects. The use of recycled materials is also encouraged when orders are placed for printed goods (i.e. brochures, catalogs, books, letterheads, business cards, etc). In addition, the procurement guidelines seek to eliminate the purchase of non-recyclable materials when suitable substitutes exist. To implement this, the campus and the Purchasing Division will: Identify any University needs that exist for equipment, supplies, and services for which recycled and/or recyclable products might be available. By reviewing prior and current requests for equipment, supplies, and services to determine the present usage of recycled and/or recyclable products. By examining future needs to determine the extent to which they might involve requests for equipment, supplies, and services that might be met by the procurement of recycled and/or recyclable products. Actively and diligently strive to identify vendors that can competitively supply recycled products. By reviewing bid responses to determine the availability of commodities manufactured with recycled content. By utilizing commercial directories and federal, state, and local sources of information to identify marketed products that are manufactured using recycled materials. Make extra efforts to communicate to campus users the opportunities to meet requirements through the procurement of recycled and/or recyclable products, recognizing that the primary goal of purchasing such products is to reduce waste. By reviewing specifications and intended product usage to determine if recycled products are available that will competitively and adequately meet identified needs and comply with established state and campus policies and procedures. By supporting the campus in the identification of recycled products for evaluation and testing to determine their suitability for campus use. By working with the campus to develop and publish a campus recycled products list; only products from that list will be purchased unless substantial written justification can be made for a non-recycled product. By coordinating procurement of recycled products with campus users to ensure satisfactory performance, recognizing that if recycled products do not perform satisfactorily, they become waste. More information can be found at this link: https://cam.illinois.edu/policies/bf-11/

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 less comprehensively, e.g. for certain types of systems or projects and not others

A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
Purpose This policy is implemented to foster an energy-efficient campus environment, and to reduce energy usage and utility costs across all campus units and departments. Scope This policy applies to the Urbana-Champaign campus, and contains supplemental information and guidelines to support adherence to the Campus Energy Use Policy Authority This policy is an extension of the Campus Energy Use Policy, and is implemented under the authority of the Executive Director of Facilities & Services. Policy Items that have high energy-efficiency ratings will be purchased when economically and operationally practical, in conformance with the list of selected classes of energy-consuming equipment and ratings. Definitions Selected classes of items subject to the policy for procurement of energy efficient equipment: Electrical appliances, or similar equipment University standard: Items that have a rating in the first quartile of efficiency. Drinking fountains University standard: 200-270 watts. Incandescent lights University standard: 15 to 18 lumens per watt and replacement of all incandescent lamps with the next smaller size. Personal computers University standard: Beginning June 17, 1994, the date the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Energy Star” logo made its debut, all personal computers, monitors, and printers purchased must have the “Energy Star” logo affixed to them. Refrigerators University standard: A rating in the first quartile of efficiency among items available. (See: University standard for electrical appliances.) Window air conditioners University standard: Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of 9 or greater. Processes/Procedures/Guidelines Sealed bid and contract documents for selected classes of energy consuming equipment and commodities shall specify and require the bidder to provide energy-efficiency ratings (when practical); may include Life Cycle Cost (LCC) formulas for the bidder to complete for evaluations and justifications of bids. All appropriate guidelines (e.g., Requisition Processing Training Guide (PDF) and the OBFS Policy Manual Purchasing section) will address the purchase of energy-efficient equipment. Items above will be incorporated. The Energy Services Department of Facilities & Services will identify selected classes and ratings of equipment subject to this policy to publicize such information to the Campus whenever appropriate, and to review justifications for purchases of energy-consuming equipment not in conformance with the policy. Procedures for Procurement of Energy-Efficient Equipment Departmental representatives and Purchasing Division buyers will seek competitive price quotes and energy efficiency ratings (when available) on selected classes of energy-consuming equipment. Only equipment in conformance with the policy should be purchased if economically and operationally practical. If equipment conforming to the policy is not desired, the purchaser shall justify the purchase of items not in conformance by completing the Non-Conforming Energy-Efficient Equipment Selection Justification Form, and have his/her supervisor approve the purchase. The Selection Justification form should be filed along with the transaction file in the Purchasing Division, and a copy sent to the Energy Services Department of Facilities & Services for review prior to the purchase. For selected classes of equipment, a listing will be developed of specific brands, models, and suppliers of energy-efficient equipment in conformance with the policy. This listing will be updated continuously and edited at least once annually by Purchasing Division buyers and the Energy Services Department of Facilities & Services. Departmental representatives may contact the appropriate Purchasing Division buyer to determine if there is a listing of energy-efficient equipment and/or suppliers meeting their requirements. Exceptions The acquisition of items not in conformance with this policy need to be justified. Such justifications should address the following: Cost. Is the cost of the more-efficient item significantly more than less efficient items? If practical, life cycle cost (LCC) analyses may be used as a basis for justification. Operational Requirements. Explain if the energy-efficient item does not meet operational needs. Link to more detail: http://cam.illinois.edu/vii/VII-b-13.htm

Part 3: Commodity-Specific Sustainability Criteria

To count, the criteria must address the specific sustainability challenges and impacts associated with products/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 (e.g. building and facilities maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing, landscaping and grounds maintenance)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
2.1 CLEANING MATERIALS A. Cleaning Agents: Use cleaning materials and agents recommended by manufacturer or fabricator of the surface to be cleaned. Do not use cleaning agents that are potentially hazardous to health or property or that might damage finished surfaces. B. Cleaning agents shall meet Green Seal GS-37 Standards. C. Floor cleaners shall comply with the California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC content. D. Disposable paper products, supplies and trash bags shall meet the minimum requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. E. If the Green Seal GS-37 Standard is not applicable, use products that comply with the California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC levels. http://www.fs.illinois.edu/docs/default-source/facility-standards/technical-sections/division-01---administrative/01-74-23---final-cleaning510946794E0E.pdf?sfvrsn=72bbf4ea_2

Construction and Renovation 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating construction and renovation products (e.g. furnishings and building materials)?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for construction and renovation products:
---

Information Technology (IT) 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) products and services (e.g. computers, imaging equipment, mobile phones, data centers and cloud services)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for IT products and services:
ENERGY-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION Issued: August 30, 1993 Revised: August 15, 2011 Policy Number: BF-05 Responsible Office: Office of the Executive Director of Facilities & Services Policy Contact: Director of Energy and Utility Services (217) 244-2865 Provide Feedback Print Policy Purpose This policy is implemented to foster an energy-efficient campus environment, and to reduce energy usage and utility costs across all campus units and departments. Scope This policy applies to the Urbana-Champaign campus, and contains supplemental information and guidelines to support adherence to the Campus Energy Use Policy Authority This policy is an extension of the Campus Energy Use Policy, and is implemented under the authority of the Executive Director of Facilities & Services. Policy Items that have high energy-efficiency ratings will be purchased when economically and operationally practical, in conformance with the list of selected classes of energy-consuming equipment and ratings. Definitions Selected classes of items subject to the policy for procurement of energy efficient equipment: Electrical appliances, or similar equipment University standard: Items that have a rating in the first quartile of efficiency. Drinking fountains University standard: 200-270 watts. Incandescent lights University standard: 15 to 18 lumens per watt and replacement of all incandescent lamps with the next smaller size. Personal computers University standard: Beginning June 17, 1994, the date the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Energy Star” logo made its debut, all personal computers, monitors, and printers purchased must have the “Energy Star” logo affixed to them. Refrigerators University standard: A rating in the first quartile of efficiency among items available. (See: University standard for electrical appliances.) Window air conditioners University standard: Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of 9 or greater. Processes/Procedures/Guidelines Sealed bid and contract documents for selected classes of energy consuming equipment and commodities shall specify and require the bidder to provide energy-efficiency ratings (when practical); may include Life Cycle Cost (LCC) formulas for the bidder to complete for evaluations and justifications of bids. All appropriate guidelines (e.g., Requisition Processing Training Guide (PDF) and the OBFS Policy Manual Purchasing section) will address the purchase of energy-efficient equipment. Items above will be incorporated. The Energy Services Department of Facilities & Services will identify selected classes and ratings of equipment subject to this policy to publicize such information to the Campus whenever appropriate, and to review justifications for purchases of energy-consuming equipment not in conformance with the policy. Procedures for Procurement of Energy-Efficient Equipment Departmental representatives and Purchasing Division buyers will seek competitive price quotes and energy efficiency ratings (when available) on selected classes of energy-consuming equipment. Only equipment in conformance with the policy should be purchased if economically and operationally practical. If equipment conforming to the policy is not desired, the purchaser shall justify the purchase of items not in conformance by completing the Non-Conforming Energy-Efficient Equipment Selection Justification Form, and have his/her supervisor approve the purchase. The Selection Justification form should be filed along with the transaction file in the Purchasing Division, and a copy sent to the Energy Services Department of Facilities & Services for review prior to the purchase. For selected classes of equipment, a listing will be developed of specific brands, models, and suppliers of energy-efficient equipment in conformance with the policy. This listing will be updated continuously and edited at least once annually by Purchasing Division buyers and the Energy Services Department of Facilities & Services. Departmental representatives may contact the appropriate Purchasing Division buyer to determine if there is a listing of energy-efficient equipment and/or suppliers meeting their requirements. Exceptions The acquisition of items not in conformance with this policy need to be justified. Such justifications should address the following: Cost. Is the cost of the more-efficient item significantly more than less efficient items? If practical, life cycle cost (LCC) analyses may be used as a basis for justification. Operational Requirements. Explain if the energy-efficient item does not meet operational needs. More information is available at: http://cam.illinois.edu/policies/bf-05/

Food Services 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food services (i.e. franchises, vending services, concessions, convenience stores)?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food services:
---

Garments and Linens 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating garments and linens?:
No

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

Professional Services 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional services (e.g. architectural, engineering, public relations, financial)?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:
---

Transportation and Fuels 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels (e.g. travel, vehicles, delivery services, long haul transport, generator fuels, steam plants)?:
No

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

Wood and Paper 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating wood and paper products?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for wood and paper products:
There is an extensive set of State of Illinois purchasing guidelines related to paper purchasing including mandatory purchases of paper with postconsumer content. An excerpt of state laws relevant to this credit is below, and available at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7 (30 ILCS 500/45-26) Sec. 45-26. Environmentally preferable procurement. (a) Definitions. For the purposes of this Section: (1) "Supplies" means all personal property, including but not limited to equipment, materials, printing, and insurance, and the financing of those supplies. (2) "Services" means the furnishing of labor, time, or effort by a contractor, not involving the delivery of a specific end product other than reports or supplies that are incidental to the required performance. (3) "Environmentally preferable supplies" means supplies that are less harmful to the natural environment and human health than substantially similar supplies for the same purpose. Attributes of environmentally preferable supplies include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) made of recycled materials, to the maximum extent feasible; (ii) not containing, emitting, or producing toxic substances; (iii) constituted so as to minimize the production of waste; and (iv) constituted so as to conserve energy and water resources over the course of production, transport, intended use, and disposal. (4) "Environmentally preferable services" means services that are less harmful to the natural environment and human health than substantially similar services for the same purpose. Attributes of "environmentally preferable services" include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) use of supplies made of recycled materials, to the maximum extent feasible; (ii) use of supplies that do not contain, emit, or produce toxic substances; (iii) employment of methods that minimize the production of waste; and (iv) employment of methods that conserve energy and water resources or use energy and water resources more efficiently than substantially similar methods. (b) Award of contracts for environmentally preferable supplies or services. Notwithstanding any rule, regulation, statute, order, or policy of any kind, with the exceptions of Sections 45-20 and 45-25 of this Code, State agencies shall contract for supplies and services that are environmentally preferable. If, however, contracting for an environmentally preferable supply or service would impose an undue economic or practical hardship on the contracting State agency, or if an environmentally preferable supply or service cannot be used to meet the requirements of the State agency, then the State agency need not contract for an environmentally preferable supply or service. Specifications for contracts, at the discretion of the contracting State agency, may include a price preference of up to 10% for environmentally preferable supplies or services. (Source: P.A. 96-197, eff. 1-1-10.)

Other Commodity Categories 

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating products and services in other commodity categories that the institution has determined to have significant sustainability impacts?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for other commodity categories:
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Optional Fields 

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.