| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.69 |
| Liaison | Jennifer Kleindienst |
| Submission Date | April 5, 2023 |
Wesleyan University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.50 / 3.00 |
Olga
Bookas Purchasing Director Finance and Administration |
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:
Additional policy is at https://www.wesleyan.edu/sustainability/files/building-policy.pdf.
Additional guidelines are at https://www.wesleyan.edu/sustainability/commitments/waste.html#purchasing.
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:
Wesleyan works with Environmental Systems Corporation to evaluate energy projects based on the total cost of ownership. Final decisions on which projects to pursue are based on upfront cost, maintenance costs, and product availability. LCCA is also conducted for large projects and new construction.
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:
Wesleyan’s contract with SMG prohibits petroleum-based cleaners, polishes, and dressings or cleaning materials that leave an oily residue. The contract also specifies products that are Green Seal certified unless an alternate product has been approved. SMG uses products manufactured by Diversey, which are all Green Seal Certified and may also carry EcoLogo or GREENGUARD certifications.
Excerpts from SMG Corporate Environmental Policy:
In regard to the cleaning product formulations all products used should
• Be readily biodegradable (certified Green Seal products)
• U.S. EPA Design for the Environment
To meet its specific responsibilities, SMG Corporate Services will:
• Reduce waste and the consumption of resources (materials, fuel and energy).
• Minimize the environmental effect of new developments through strategic planning.
• Specify products that minimize environmental effect in production, use and disposal.
• Reduce or eliminate the production of polluting releases to the environment.
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:
All departments are required to purchase paper with at least a post-consumer recyclable content of 50%. Departments are encouraged to search for products that are made in the USA and are eco-friendly, but ultimately they make the decision to follow sustainability guidelines for their own purchases.
More information is available at https://www.wesleyan.edu/sustainability/commitments/waste.html#purchasing.
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:
Wesleyan's Building Sustainability Policy Outlines requirements for purchasing of sustainable furniture and furnishings: https://www.wesleyan.edu/sustainability/files/building-policy.pdf. These requirements include Low or no VOCs, no formaldehyde content, no chlorofluorocarbon- or halon-containing products, no mercury or lead unless an alternative is not available, and only wood products meeting Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
HON is our primary supplier of furniture. HON meets IAQ standards and materials are chosen to reduce impacts and be recyclable when the product reaches the end of its useful life.
The most current version of the Proprietary Specifications and Standards (linked above) shall be referenced for all approved materials and manufacturers. This is a living document and shall be updated as new materials are developed and technology is enhanced. A facility assessment checklist was developed to determine existing envelope, finishes, MEP, accessibility, hazardous materials, and furnishings. The University follows the building sustainability policy for all existing, renovated, and new buildings, which includes furnishing and materials 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:
Note: Network storage systems do not have the same EPEAT rating system applied to them.
Wesleyan has pledged to purchase EPEAT standard computers and imaging equipment. Manufacturers who conform to EPEAT standards are strongly preferred. Where possible, Wesleyan strives to purchase equipment models that meet EPEAT Gold requirements. EPEAT® (Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool) is the definitive global rating system for sustainable electronics. The EPEAT system combines strict, comprehensive criteria for design, production, energy use, and recycling with ongoing independent verification of manufacturer claims. EPEAT was developed through a stakeholder consensus process and is managed by the non-profit Green Electronics Council. Wesleyan's data center equipment purchases have gone down considerably as processes have continued to virtualize and move to the cloud.
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:
Wesleyan's dining contract specifies sustainability criteria that must be met. Excerpts relating to sustainability from said contract are as follows:
2.1.2.9 To demonstrate environmental and energy awareness and responsibility by minimizing waste in any form and to participate in University environmental projects as mutually agreed upon (by way of illustration, but in no way limitation, Contractor shall ensure a) that coolers and appliances are off and unplugged when not required to be in use and b) composting receptacles are collected and processed per University guidelines.
2.8.4 When feasible, the Contractor shall purchase products and supplies for the campus-dining program that are locally grown, supporting the Real Food Challenge Commitment, signed on April 21, 2012 by Contractor and University.
2.9.6 FRESH SEAFOOD: Only seafood species that are rated "Green" ("Best Choice") and "Yellow" ("Good Alternative") according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch guidelines for commercial buyers will be used.
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:
Wesleyan is a member of the Worker Rights Consortium.
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:
The Wesleyan Purchasing Department takes pride in its past and current initiatives to promote sustainability and to seek supplier diversity when making deals with new vendors. Supplier diversity is an important part of sustainable purchasing. Our preferred vendor list, available at https://www.wesleyan.edu/finance/purchasing/Preferred%20Supplier%20List.pdf, makes note of businesses owned by minorities, women, or veterans, as well as small and local businesses. Purchasing encourages all departments to take this into consideration when selecting vendors.
Our supplier diversity policy is as follows:
"Wesleyan University is committed to developing mutually beneficial relationships with small, minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and local businesses. Through quality referrals and equal procurement opportunities, the Purchasing Department serve as a resource to ensure an inclusive business environment to all suppliers.
Wesleyan University recognizes that supplier diversity provides a broad array of choice and diversity contributes to the expansion of the local marketplace and strengthens our supply base. Supplier diversity also increases our ability to secure better pricing, higher quality products and services through increased competitive bid participation.
Wesleyan departments and faculty/staff are highly encouraged to explore opportunities to obtain services and products from diversity suppliers with competitive pricing and quality."
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:
A Wesleyan policy requires that all vehicle purchases must be low emission vehicles (gas-electric hybrids, electric vehicles, or alternative fuel vehicles), unless a viable alternative is not available. In that case, the most fuel-efficient vehicle is purchased. This policy statement is published here: https://www.wesleyan.edu/sustainability/commitments/transportation.html#university.
Wesleyan's 2022 Sustainability Strategic Plan sets a target of 50% electric light duty vehicles by 2025: https://www.wesleyan.edu/sustainability/commitments/ssp.html.
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.