Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 56.33
Liaison Ryan Kmetz
Submission Date Feb. 25, 2020

STARS v2.2

University of Maryland, Baltimore County
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 3.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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:
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The policies, guidelines or directives:

As a member of the University System of Maryland UMBC follows the directives of the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS). DGS provides the following guidelines as related to sustainable purchasing, per the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 21.11.07.09 "Environmentally Preferable Purchasing", “All procurement agencies shall purchase environmentally preferable products and services unless purchasing environmentally preferable products and services would limit or supersede any requirements under any provision of law or result in the purchase of products and services that:
(1) Do not perform adequately for the intended use;
(2) Exclude adequate competition; or
(3) Are not available at a reasonable price in a reasonable period of time.”

Additionally, It is the intent of UMBC to seek and encourage participation by minority, women-owned and small businesses. In order to qualify as a minority vendor (including women-owned businesses), vendors must be certified as such through the Maryland Department of Transportation.


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's PROCEDURE MANUAL FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL / ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR UM CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE CENTER PROJECTS specifically outlines UMBC's usage of LCCA.

This is an economic analysis technique considering initial acquisition costs and the recurring cost associated with the operation, maintenance, energy use, and other costs of ownership. The objective of LCCA is to optimize the cost of ownership of a building. This procedure shall be followed by all Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firms, and Consulting Firms conducting business with the University: It is the policy of the University that State owned or financed buildings shall be constructed in a
manner to minimize initial costs of construction, recurring costs associated with the consumption of energy resources, and the operation and maintenance of those buildings.

More Information: https://fm.umbc.edu/files/2015/08/UMB_2014_Procedure_Manual_for_A-E_Full_Set.pdf


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:

The University's PROCEDURE MANUAL FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL / ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR UM CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE CENTER PROJECTS specifically calls for a "Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual" to include "“green” cleaning products and materials and cleaning schedules for finishes (especially for “green materials”) considering IAQ and extending the life of the material" and "A list of the low VOC paint, sealant and other products and the colors used including specific manufacturer’s name and product description."


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:

As per the Maryland Department of General Services (https://dgs.maryland.gov/Pages/GreenPurchasing/Resources/OfficeSupplies.aspx) , Green Committee Approved Specifications:

Paper
Paper must be processed chlorine free.
All Copy, Multiuse, and Computer Paper must have minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content.
8.5" x 11" White Copy Paper must have minimum 50% post-consumer recycled content.
Paper Products
Paper Products must be processed chlorine free.
Writing Pads and Notebooks must have minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content.
Self-stick Notes and Flags must have minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content.
All Folders, Pockets and Dividers must have minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content.
Adding Machine Rolls must have minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content.
Paper (including Kraft Paper) Envelopes must have minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content.
Plastic Envelopes must have minimum 25% post-consumer recycled content.
Heavy Duty Clasp Envelopes must have minimum 20% post-consumer recycled content.
Alternative Fiber Envelopes must have minimum 50% “tree-free” content and 50% post-consumer recycled content.
Index Cards must have minimum 10% post-consumer recycled content.
Toner and Ink Cartridges
Toner and ink cartridges must be remanufactured, high-yield or large capacity.
Toner and ink cartridges that are not recyclable will not be accepted.
Toner and ink cartridges that violate US patent laws will not be accepted.
Other Office Supplies
Binders must have minimum 75% post-consumer content.
Clipboards must have minimum 50% postconsumer recycled content.
Paper Clips must have minimum 50% postconsumer recycled content
Labels must have minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content
Correction Fluid must be water-based, non-toxic, ozone-safe.
Highlighters and Markers must be water-based, certified AP non-toxic, and conform to ASTM D-4236.
Dry-erase and permanent markers must be labeled “low odor”.
Single-use Pens and Pencils must have minimum 50% postconsumer recycled content or have a biopolymer barrel that is
biodegradable.
Refillable Pens and Pencils must be made of recycled or biopolymer content.

COMAR 21.11.07.07: Mercury and Products Containing Mercury: "“All procurement agencies shall give a [5 percent] preference under this regulation to procuring products and equipment that are mercury-free. If mercury-free products and equipment that meet the agency's product performance requirements are not commercially available, the procurement agency shall give preference under this regulation to products containing the least amount of mercury necessary to meet performance requirements.”


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

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

Purchasing Electronic Products
“When purchasing an electronic product to be used by the State, a procurement agency shall purchase an electronic product that:
(1) Is listed and rated silver or gold on the EPEAT registry; or
(2) Meets nationally-recognized and consensus-based standards established by a
comprehensive environmental rating system approved by the Department of Information Technology.”
COMAR 21.11.07.13


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:

As per UMBC's most recent RFP for food service (https://procurement.umbc.edu/files/2013/10/UMBC-Campus-Dining-Services-Procurement-_BC-21084-C-Solicitation-24October17.pdf)

Food service providers must meet the following:
Sustainability Expectations – A comprehensive sustainability plan that addresses the following:
(a) Purchase and transport of food to minimize environmental impact such as seasonally
available local (within 150 miles) foods, grown and harvested using ecologically sound principles
such as sustainable seafood, and certified as fair trade (with a target that 25% of food will meet
one or more of this criteria); (b) Initiatives to ensure that management, kitchen and serving
operations deploy resource-saving practices such as energy efficiency tactics; (c) Practices to
minimize food waste; (d) Incorporate sustainable design principles in construction projects
undertaken on campus; (e) Provide education to both customers and employees about
innovations and reasons for operational decisions in food service; and, (f) full participate in the
University’s recycling program. Include one paid Sustainability student intern position in the
staffing plan each year at wage rates that are competitive with other student employment
options on campus.

As per the Maryland Department of General Service (https://dgs.maryland.gov/Documents/GreenPurchasing/Specs/DisposableFoodServiceSuppliesSpecification.pdf) Green Committee Approved Specifications:

Environmentally Preferable Disposable Food Service Supplies Specification
This specification covers food service supplies including utensils (cutlery), plates, bowls, hot and cold cups, cup lids,
portion cups, food containers, napkins, straws, paper bags, trays, food service gloves, food service covering and wrap,
food storage bags, food waste bags and cloth towels.
Food service head wear and cooking bags will be exempted from any environmental preferability criteria.
Environmentally preferable disposable food service supplies are those that are compostable in a commercial composting
facility, contain post-consumer recycled content, and avoid the use of toxic chemicals of concern.
Environmentally preferable disposable food service supply products shall meet the following criteria, according to type:
A. Food Service Bowls, Plates, Containers, and Trays
Bowls, plates, food containers, and trays will:
• Be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, or equivalent*, for commercial compostability, OR
• Appear on the Cedar Grove Accepted Items list.
B. Cups and Cup Lids
Cups, cup lids and portion cups will:
• Be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, or equivalent*, for commercial compostability, OR
• Appear on the Cedar Grove Accepted Items list, OR
• Contain a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled material.
C. Paper Bags and Napkins
Paper bags and napkins will contain a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled material.
D. Food Storage Bags and Food Waste Bags
Food storage bags and food waste bags will:
• Be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, or equivalent*, for commercial compostability, OR
• Appear on the Cedar Grove Accepted Items list.
E. Utensils, Food Service Gloves and Straws
Utensils, food service gloves and straws will:
• Be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, or equivalent*, for commercial compostability, OR
• Appear on the Cedar Grove Accepted Items list.
F. Cloth Towels, Food Coverings and Wraps
Cloth towels and food service covering such as food wrap, film and aluminum foil will:
• Be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, or equivalent*, for commercial compostability, OR
• Appear on the Cedar Grove Accepted Items list, OR
• Contain a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled material.

PROHIBITED PRODUCTS
Products containing polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC/vinyl) will not be accepted.
Products containing fluorinated grease barrier compounds will not be accepted.


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:

UMBC is committed to conducting its business affairs in a socially responsible
and ethical manner consistent with its education, research and service missions,
including respect for human rights and commitment to protecting and preserving
the global environment and has adopted a code of conduct for logo merchandise.

The full text is available here: http://www.umbc.edu/bookstore-data/umbccodeofconductlogo.pdf


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:

Section IX of The University System of Maryland (USM) Procurement Policies and Procedures addresses socio-economic policies and includes the following language which applies to professional services, including architectural and engineering services:
Pursuant to Chapter 515 of the Laws of 1999, the University System of Maryland shall to the maximum extent practicable comply with the provisions of Title 14, Subtitles 1 (Preferences to Benefit Disadvantaged Individuals) and 3 (Minority Business Participation) of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The USM Procurement Policies and Procedures are available online at https://www.usmd.edu/regents/bylaws/SectionVIII/VIII300.pdf


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:

UMBC Transit has a 'Going Green Initiative" which includes:
-Upgrading the fleet. UMBC Transit has entered the "green-age" with low-sulfur, diesel fueled, and efficient fleet upgrades. All vehicles run on a blended bio-diesel fuel supplied through the State of Maryland bidding process where fuel prices are competitively shopped. With only two older vehicles remaining presently in service a complete fleet renewal is only two years away.
-Committed to utilizing bio-diesel. One of our shuttles is presently committed to be fueled solely with fuel supplied by UMBC organizations dedicated to its production. As testing and experience dictate, use of this product will be increased to the entire fleet as we seek fuel providers who will incorporate UMBC bio-diesel fuel into their product which, when blended, will provide a sustainable fuel source for delivery to us. Doing so, will limit UMBC's financial investment in separate fuel depot receptacles for bio-diesel, on-site fuel containment costs, material, and liability associated with blending.
https://www.umbc.edu/transit/green.php

Additionally, Alternative Fueled Vehicles
Per COMAR 01.01.1993.20 "Alternative Fueled Vehicles"
The Department of General Services and the University of Maryland System shall procure, for State agencies and the University of Maryland System and its constituent institutions, respectively, approved alternative fueled vehicles and shall ensure that refueling capacity for alternative fuels is available to State agency fleets and the University of Maryland System.”


Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable procurement program or initiatives is available:
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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.