| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.79 |
| Liaison | Larry Cook |
| Submission Date | Dec. 4, 2020 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of South Carolina
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.75 / 3.00 |
Tracy
Fountain Procurement Specialist Purchasing Department |
Does the institution have written policies, guidelines or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across commodity categories institution-wide?:
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
We are committed to promoting creative solutions for ‘closing the loop’ by actively identifying supplies made from recycled products. Bid documents include clauses for the proper disposal of all waste and packaging materials associated with shipping materials to the university.
Education and university support are the keys to the success of our programs and initiatives.
Our staff assists departments by offering suggestions for:
-reducing their solid waste.
-alternative sources of recycled products.
-promoting the availability of products made from recycled products.
We make this information accessible in a variety of ways. We believe it will increase environmentally-sound decision making among faculty and staff who are purchasing goods, if we continue to present opportunities for them to be active participants in sustainability practices.
From the State of South Carolina Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy:
South Carolina state government seeks to further reduce the environmental and human health impacts of its operations by integrating environmental considerations into its procurement process.
South Carolina state government is committed to environmentally preferred purchasing in recognition of the need to more efficiently use natural resources, reduce waste, save money, sustain markets for materials collected in recycling programs and protect South Carolina’s environment, economy and the quality of life of all its citizens.
Therefore it is the policy of the state of South Carolina to endeavor to:
-improve or implement green purchasing practices that reduce waste and result in the purchase of fewer products, when practicable and cost effective, without reducing the safety or quality of the products;
-make purchasing decisions with the understanding and consideration of the environmental impact and life cycle cost of a product or service during its manufacture, transport, use and end-of-life management;
-identify and purchase products and services that prevent pollution, eliminate or reduce toxins, conserve energy and water, contain recycled-content material and minimize environmental impacts; and
-purchase from South Carolina businesses to minimize transportation costs and emissions, when it can be done with adequate competition and without compromise of performance of quality of products or services.
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:
From the State of South Carolina Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy:
-make purchasing decisions with the understanding and consideration of the environmental impact and life cycle cost of a product or service during its manufacture, transport, use and end-of-life management.
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)?:
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 construction and renovation products (e.g. furnishings and building materials)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for construction and renovation products:
As required by SC State Law (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t48c052.php), the university follows LEED certification (minimum Silver) or Green Globes (minimum 2) for all new building projects and renovations which can be found at: www.usgbc.org/leed.
From the State of South Carolina Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy:
-When building and leasing, consider the use of on-site renewable energy such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass to reduce impacts of fossil fuel use.
-Consider deconstruction and re-use of materials or purchase previously used for salvaged building materials to reduce waste and the need for virgin materials.
-Reduce the depletion of finite raw material by using rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo, wool, cotton, linoleum and cork.
-Maximize the use of natural lighting in buildings to avoid the use of artificial lighting.
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)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for IT products and services:
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food services (i.e. franchises, vending services, concessions, convenience stores)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food services:
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 services (e.g. architectural, engineering, public relations, financial)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:
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)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating wood and paper products?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for wood and paper products:
The State of SC is seeking to establish statewide contracts for the purchase of specialty desktop copy paper and truckload deliveries. The use of these contracts is mandatory for all state governmental bodies (i.e. state government department, commission, council, board, bureau, committee, institution, college, university, technical school, agency, government corporation, or other establishment or official of the executive or judicial branch.).
The state has a goal that of all products purchased, at least 25% will contai recycled content materials.
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?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for other commodity categories:
Computers
Various makes and models of computers are turned in as surplus on a daily basis. Many are in operating condition, however, some have been cannibalized or do not function. Any computers turned in as surplus will be screened to determine if the hard drive is intact. If the hard drive is present, it will be removed and destroyed.
Desks and Chairs
Many desks and chairs pass through the department and on to State Surplus. These also are vary by manufacturer and are in various states of condition.
File Cabinets and Book Shelves
File cabinets of different sizes, colors and condition are occasionally available. Many are older models. Newer models come in, but they don't last long in the warehouse. Many of the lockable models will require new keys to be cut.
Electronic and Scientific Equipment
Different types of electronic and scientific equipment are routinely turned in as surplus. Varying in condition and type, many components may be applicable to particular needs.
Laser Jet Cartridges
Consolidated Services recycles hundreds of laser jet cartridges every year. In order to help UofSC's recycling quotas, departments may return empty cartridges to us instead of sending them to a landfill. Consolidated Services will pickup empty cartridges while making supply deliveries.
Inventory and Surplus
Inventory and surplus property functions as a service to the university community and the state of South Carolina. Material issued from inventory is to be used solely for university purposes. Consolidated services is not responsible for the condition of or expenses incurred with equipment issued. Surplus property is held for approximately three weeks then sent to State Surplus for disposition.
The website URL where information about the programs 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.