University of Texas at Austin
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

"Consistent with the President’s Committee on Business Productivity’s recommendations toward more active stewardship of tangible and intangible assets and critical examination of their use, The University of Texas at Austin is committed to encouraging and supporting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. The university spends more than $800 million on goods and services annually. The type, quality, and quantity of commodities being procured have far-reaching economic and environmental impacts. Sustainable purchasing can create jobs, reduce strain on public infrastructure and resources, create and maintain a healthier indoor and outdoor environment, and inspire growth and innovation in the local economy. Responsible purchasing decisions result in a positive impact to the university and the environment and/or human health that include: -Reorganizing or redesign processes to require less goods or energy or to produce less waste -Reducing consumption of unnecessary and unwarranted goods, including focusing on the re-use and recycling of existing goods -Considering total cost of ownership -Future proofing supply chains and investments -Minimizing the amount of waste generated from university purchases, in turn minimizing materials that are require disposal Departments expending university funds should select sustainable products whenever reasonably practical. They should not purchase products that do not perform adequately for their intended use or are not available at a reasonable price in a reasonable period of time." https://financials.utexas.edu/hbp/part-7/12-sustainability

All renovation and new construction activities on The University of Texas at Austin campuses are required to meet the UT Austin Design and Construction Standards (DCS). This includes the very first planning and design stages through actual construction and facilities maintenance and management.

"Energy and Environment" link at bottom of page
https://pmcservices.utexas.edu/design-construction-standards/dc-standards-division-01-general-requirements

The University has committed to approaching new building construction and major renovations with an emphasis on Life Cycle Cost (LCC). Part of this approach is a focus on maximizing energy efficiency and providing cost effective sustainable design. This approach to energy efficiency and cost effective sustainable design begins at the project conception and continues throughout the construction and operating life of the building. These design standards approach this issue of energy and environment on multiple levels during project design process. The first goal is that the project meets minimum requirements set by the Energy Conservation Design Standard for New State Buildings, meaning that for the majority of campus facilities (all non-residential facilities) the minimum requirements set forth in current adopted version ASHRAE 90.1 are met, and all supporting documentation is completed and provided for approval in conjunction with the Texas Design Standard Compliance Form as required by the State Energy Conservation Office. In additional to meeting ASHRAE 90.1, an alternative energy feasibility assessment shall be conducted. This requirement is outlined by Section 2166.403, Title 10, of the Texas Government Code which requires that a governing body undertaking construction of a new state building verify the economic feasibility of incorporating into the building’s design alternative energy devices for space heating and cooling, water heating, electrical loads, and interior lighting.

Custodial Services is committed to using sustainable products and processes. Our green cleaning program is achieved through the use of a comprehensive, high-performance cleaning management system, (OS1).

The (OS1) program focuses on both the health of the building occupants and the cleaning staff. Environmentally preferable cleaning strategies, procedures, training, and purchasing guidelines for consumables, tools and equipment are all part of responsible cleaning. All of the daily-use cleaning chemicals prescribed in the (OS1) Program have earned the Green Seal Certification or are EPA registered disinfectants.

https://facilitiesservices.utexas.edu/divisions/custodial/cleaning-program

Paper: At least thirty percent recycled content
Avoid products that are bleached or processed with chlorine or chlorine derivatives

Batteries: NiMH or Lithium rechargeable batteries
Avoid batteries containing Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd) or Lead (Pb)

Copiers & printers: Uses a low melting point toner; Remanufactured or refillable cartridges

Adhesive: Nontoxic, water-soluble adhesive and paper or cellulose based tapes
Avoid spray adhesives

Binders and Filing: Recycled content

Copiers and Printers: Compatible with recycled and remanufactured products
Uses a low melting point toner
Multifunctional capability to save space and resources
Stand-by or power down functionality
ENERGY STAR certified
Ability to print double-sided

https://financials.utexas.edu/hbp/part-7/12-3-commodity-specific-recommendations

Furniture: BIFMA Level certification, Cradle-to-Cradle certified, Indoor Advantage certification, PVC Free, EcoLogo certified, GREENGUARD certified, SCS certified
Low or no VOC-emitting
High percentage postconsumer recycled materials
FSC and PEFC certified wood products
Natural latex foam, avoid plastic foams that contain CFCs , HCFCs, or polyurethane
Domestic soft wood (e.g., pine) instead of tropical hardwoods (e.g., mahogany)
Solvent and formaldehyde free finishes and glue

New furniture purchases to meet LEED certification requirements. Options for meeting LEED requirements include Standard 4.5EQ (Indoor Air Quality), 2.3MR (Resource Reuse) and 5.1/5.2MR (Regional Materials). Furniture meeting 4.5EQ (Indoor Air Quality) should be GreenGuard Certified.

Emphasized in Division 12 Campus Standards https://utexas.app.box.com/s/zh5fby0jthbcwz0b2tyvs4ftfi1br15a

Batteries: NiMH or Lithium rechargeable batteries
Avoid batteries containing Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd) or Lead (Pb)

Computers and Monitors: Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) environmental certification, gold level preferred

https://financials.utexas.edu/hbp/part-7/12-3-commodity-specific-recommendations

Every RFP for a new food service provider includes scoring criteria for use of compostable materials.

The State of Texas has established six specific categories of business along with individual adjusted HUB goals for each category (see chart below). After the State of Texas 2009 Disparity Study, certain groups of underutilized businesses are defined within each of the six categories. The Statewide Procurement Division of the Texas State Comptroller’s Office has adopted rules which set reporting and usage goals for underutilized groups.

The statewide HUB goals for the procurement categories for the State of Texas are:

11.2% for heavy construction other than building contracts;
21.1% for all building construction, including general contractors and operative builders' contracts;
32.9% for all special trade construction contracts;
23.7% for professional services contracts;
26.0% for all other services contracts; and
21.1% for commodities contracts.

https://financials.utexas.edu/hub/hub-goals
https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/

This act mandates that 75% of all light-duty vehicle (<8500 lbs.) purchases per year must be capable of running on alternative fuel. Texas HB 432 further requires that by September 2010, 50% of the university fleet must be of the alternative fuel variety. To be considered alternative fueled, a vehicle must use alternative fuels at least 80% of the time.

However, due to the expense associated with training, providing necessary support equipment, and stocking various types of fuel, University Fleet Operations recommends departments limit their choice of fuel types. The three preferred alternative fuels are E85 and propane (LPG) for vehicles usually powered by gasoline, and biodiesel B20 for diesel trucks.

https://parking.utexas.edu/fleet/fuels/alternative