University of Richmond
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

See 4403.3 in Procurement Policy. From Green Purchasing dropdown at https://controller.richmond.edu/sourcing-payments/policies.html: In 2007, University of Richmond President Edward L. Ayers signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, affirming the University's longstanding history of innovative sustainability efforts and the commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. Green purchasing is one way each of us in the University community can support this commitment and become better environmental stewards. Green Purchasing is defined as buying goods and services that are Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP). EPPs are products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. EPPs take into consideration: Performance Durability The ability to be repaired Natural resource use and waste reduction Recyclability and recycled content, biodegradability Toxicity Labels and instructions for use Our goal is to follow the Cradle to Cradle concept of buying products that are sustainably produced and can be easily recycled, reused and re-purposed. Cradle to Cradle Certification provides a company with a means to tangibly, credibly measure achievement in environmentally-intelligent design, and helps customers purchase and specify products that are pursuing a broader definition of quality. This means: Using environmentally safe and healthy materials Using design for material reutilization, such as recycling or composting; The use of renewable energy and energy efficiency; Efficient use of water, and maximum water quality associated with production; Instituting strategies for social responsibility. If a candidate product achieves the necessary criteria, it is certified as a silver, gold or platinum product or as a technical/biological nutrient (available for homogeneous materials or less complex products), and can be branded as Cradle to Cradle. Energy Star appliances and energy efficient lighting Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, print products, and furniture Below is the sustainability statement that is included in all our RFP’s: SUSTAINABILITY: The University of Richmond is committed to environmental sustainability by encouraging faculty, staff and students to purchase products and services that minimize waste, contain a high-recycled content, use responsible production methods, and demonstrate a maximum biodegradability, reparability, energy efficiency, non-toxicity and recyclability. Vendors are encouraged to provide an alternate bid for products, services, or process that is more environmentally beneficial. Please provide product and sustainability fact sheets for each item in the bid. The University will evaluate all bids and the award will be made, in whole or in part, to the selected vendor(s).

During the design stage of any new construction or major renovation project various building systems, including HVAC and large electrical components, are evaluated taking into account the purchase/installation of the system, the annual maintenance costs, and the expected useful life of the system. Decisions are made on a life-cycle cost basis. The University Engineer considers initial costs, fuel, operation, maintenance/repair, replacement, disposal, and non-financial benefits (e.g., environmentally preferable) when making the LCCA determination.

The Climate Action Plan set a minimum criteria of LEED Silver standards or higher for all new construction. The University adheres to the low emission threshold for Volatile Organic Compounds in all new building and major renovation projects. Our standard procurement policy gives preference to GreenGuard flooring, paint, furniture, cleaning products, and textiles. The University has a standard of 80% or better Green Seal cleaning products and gives preference to vendors who utilize Green Seal.

The Climate Action Plan set a minimum criteria of LEED Silver standards or higher for all new construction. The University has a preference for manufactured goods that have Environmental Product Declarations in all new buildings and major renovations. Our standard procurement policy gives preference is given to Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Certified Green Products for furniture, textiles, building and construction products.

Our Information Services procurement boilerplate states that all laptops, desktops, tablets, mobile devices procured by campus must be fully Energy Star Compliant.

Dining Services Procurement Guidelines - Purchasing from environmentally and socially responsible companies that are HACCP certified. - Using non-bleached napkins that meet or exceed the EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for minimum post-consumer fiber content. - Use of recycled-content paper towels and toilet paper. - Conveying our buying preference for local, recycled, and sustainable materials. - Including a diverse group of vendors including minority, locally, and regionally owned vendors. - Encouraging paperless statements and billing from vendors. - Focusing procurement efforts only on products with an "Energy Star" rating when available. - Encouraging suppliers to minimize packaging to eliminate excess waste while maintaining strength (consistent with care of the product). When possible, packaging should be made of recycled materials. - Specifying concentrated solid products versus "ready to use" products reducing packaging, waste, and transportation costs. - Limit procurement of 5 gallon pails and No. 10 cans, and opting for bag-in-box, shrink-wrapped products as they become available to reduce excessive packaging. - Minimizing use of disposable dinnerware in the Heilman Dining Center and for catered events whenever feasible. If the style of the event requires disposable or picnic style tableware, we will purchase environmentally friendly products that are made from recycled materials or from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by companies with good environmental track records. These items must be recyclable or, if not, may be disposed of safely. The University purchasing committee met with specific local vendors specifically with efforts to eliminate waste. This resulted in several businesses bringing their items to campus in large plastic totes which can be washed and returned for the next delivery, rather than single use plastic wrapping. In accordance with waste guidelines, on campus eateries have made several changes regarding the amount of waste produced.

Practice guidelines ensure 30% recycled content paper Our standard procurement policy gives preference for Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, print products, and furniture.