| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 61.63 |
| Liaison | Leslie North |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2024 |
Western Kentucky University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Leslie
North Director of Sustainability Geography and Geology |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1. Institution-wide sustainable procurement policies
Yes
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
The following content is included in the University Purchasing Policy, under the heading of Socially Responsible Purchasing:
"In the process of conducting business, the University will incorporate socially responsible purchasing. To the extent permitted by applicable law the University will be supportive of programs and activities that promote the ability of minority, woman and disabled business owners to compete equally for the opportunity to provide goods and services to the University. The University will also actively pursue products, services and activities that promote sustainability of our planet. The University will consider and pursue the safety of individuals and of our environment while conducting all purchasing activities."
"In the process of conducting business, the University will incorporate socially responsible purchasing. To the extent permitted by applicable law the University will be supportive of programs and activities that promote the ability of minority, woman and disabled business owners to compete equally for the opportunity to provide goods and services to the University. The University will also actively pursue products, services and activities that promote sustainability of our planet. The University will consider and pursue the safety of individuals and of our environment while conducting all purchasing activities."
Part 2. Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Yes
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
Institution employs LCCA less comprehensively, e.g. for certain types of systems or projects and not others
A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
LCCA practices are not policy, however they are intrinsic in purchases related to renovation and construction, as WKU's commitment to LEED certification necessitates such considerations. Additionally, our goal to continued energy use reduction through efficiency and conservation strategies require such considerations when purchasing operational or infrastructure equipment (such as HVAC or grounds keeping equipment).
Part 3. Product-specific sustainability criteria
To count, the criteria must address the specific sustainability challenges and impacts associated with products and/or services in each category, e.g. by requiring or giving preference to multi-criteria sustainability standards, certifications and labels appropriate to the category. Broader, institution-wide policies should be reported in Part 1, above.
Chemically intensive products and services
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
Chemicals are used sparingly on the WKU campus, and criteria are included in contracted services. For example, custodial services uses Green Seal certified products. Grounds keeping uses organic fertilizers and integrated pest management. Chemical sensitivity and sustainability are criteria in the RFP for Pest Control.
Consumable office products
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
Paper is required to be 30% recycled content at minimum. Wood products for construction and renovation is sourced to meet LEED requirements.
Furniture and furnishings
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
WKU's policy on Socially Responsible Purchasing no. 3.5101 applies to furniture and furnishings. The policy states: "In the process of conducting business, the University will incorporate socially responsible purchasing. To the extent permitted by applicable law the University will be supportive of programs and activities that promote the ability of minority, woman and disabled business owners to compete equally for the opportunity to provide goods and services to the University. The University will also actively pursue products, services and activities that promote sustainability of our planet. The University will consider and pursue the safety of individuals and of our environment while conducting all purchasing activities."
Information Technology (IT) and equipment
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
The purchasing policy 3.5101 mentioned above also applies to IT and equipment.
In addition to this, WKU's Information Technology Services (ITS) Department offers a Recycled Computer Program, in which employees can purchase refurbished computers to reduce environmental impact and cost. All computer purchases must comply with ITS standards. ITS only allows EPEAT certified computers to be purchased at the University. Information can be found at:
http://www.wku.edu/it/wku-computer-purchasing/
In addition to this, WKU's Information Technology Services (ITS) Department offers a Recycled Computer Program, in which employees can purchase refurbished computers to reduce environmental impact and cost. All computer purchases must comply with ITS standards. ITS only allows EPEAT certified computers to be purchased at the University. Information can be found at:
http://www.wku.edu/it/wku-computer-purchasing/
Food service providers
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
These are purchased by Aramark and therefore do not fall under the University purchasing policy.
Garments and linens
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
The purchasing policy 3.5101 mentioned above also applies to IT and equipment applies to all products purchased by the University.
Each apparel vendor of the University has their own sustainability and fair practice missions (each provided on their vendor sites) Nike is our official athletic apparel partner (per the university’s agreement/contract). They have a webpage that highlight their world-wide manufacturing map & transparency about the demographics of the employees: http://manufacturingmap.nikeinc.com/. This information for Champion/Hanes/Gear for Sports can be found at https://hanesforgood.com/. Lastly, the University is a member of the Independent College Bookstore Association. This Association vets vendors within the industry for best practices.
Each apparel vendor of the University has their own sustainability and fair practice missions (each provided on their vendor sites) Nike is our official athletic apparel partner (per the university’s agreement/contract). They have a webpage that highlight their world-wide manufacturing map & transparency about the demographics of the employees: http://manufacturingmap.nikeinc.com/. This information for Champion/Hanes/Gear for Sports can be found at https://hanesforgood.com/. Lastly, the University is a member of the Independent College Bookstore Association. This Association vets vendors within the industry for best practices.
Professional service providers
Yes
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
This is not comprehensive to all services, however is applicable to many. For example, sustainability criteria are included in both RFPs and contracts for services such as custodial and pest management. Architecture and engineering services are advised of sustainability criteria such as LEED certification commitment.
Transportation and fuels
No
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
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Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Information provided by Rodney Houshell II in WKU Supply Chain Management.
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.