| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 55.60 |
| Liaison | Jane Stewart |
| Submission Date | March 6, 2020 |
Washington and Lee University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.25 / 3.00 |
Nicole
Poulin Campus Garden Manager Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have written policies, guidelines, or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across multiple commodity categories institution-wide?:
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
We decided to answer "No" for this question because even though W&L requires that all products purchased by the University must be Energy Star rated when the standard is relevant, currently, this is the only formal, published, institutional purchasing policy. Purchasing decisions are otherwise made at the individual department level. While this practice appropriately gives control to those best positioned to choose suitable products, it fails to provide departments with the information and incentive necessary to prioritize environmental impact in the process.
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:
This a standard evaluation tool for new systems and is written in the 2019 Climate Action Plan.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services?:
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 consumable office products?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating furniture and furnishings?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
Universal Procurement and Building Policy:
All appliances purchased by the University must be rated as Energy Star compliant if that type of appliance is rated by the program. In addition, it is now policy that all new buildings and major renovations will be LEED certified, so things like furniture, flooring, ceilings, walls, and other building materials are evaluated using sustainability (specifically LEED) criteria.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) and equipment?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
In W&L's Climate Action Plan, it states "Information Technology Services will review the feasibility of adopting a purchasing policy mandating Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated equipment when applicable, and assess new technology acquisitions for energy efficiency and ease of shutting down during periods of non-use." While this is not a current published policy, we are working towards it.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food service providers?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
While we do not have published sustainability criteria for evaluating food service providers, dining services is committed to purchasing 100% certified compostable products. For example, currently we are negotiating a new contract with a coffee vendor and dining reached out to the Office of Sustainability in order to confirm that the vendors that they are negotiating with offer appropriate, certified compostable products that are allowed in our composting facility. This is a priority for them and they will not commit to a vendor who does not offer certified compostable products.
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 service providers?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable procurement program 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.