| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.99 |
| Liaison | Mary-Lee Townsend |
| Submission Date | Oct. 20, 2021 |
Western University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Mary-Lee
Townsend Sustainability & Compliance Manager Sustainability Office |
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:
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:
During the RFP process, Western requires that all applicants answer questions regarding Sustainability.
Further direction is provided in Western University Sustainable Procurement Guidelines:
When procuring products, it is important to take into consideration not only the upfront cost of the product, but also any costs associated with it after purchase, such as operating and maintenance costs. Total cost of ownership is an evaluation of the profitability and sustainability of purchases that reflect the entire life cycle of the product and the financial costs associated with each phase of the life cycle. By evaluating a product based on its total cost of ownership, it is clear that some products cost less money up front but more money to maintain in the long run. Including total cost of ownership in the price of a product at the initial time of purchase ensures a fair and complete price comparison.
5 Steps to Total Cost of Ownership
1.Identify purchasing needs
2.Research - Identify direct and indirect costs of competing products
3.Analyze sustainability performance
4.Develop recommendations
5.Measure impacts
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:
Sustainability criteria for Western's contracted cleaning supplies company, include the following:
- Products supplied should contribute to Western’s sustainability initiatives and hold a third party certification such as Green Seal, EcoLogo or equivalent
- Clean facilities to protect health and safety of workers and occupants
- Procure cleaning products that meet the LEED® EB:O&M Silver cleaning standard
- Provide information on new and/or improved products in the industry, which may help reduce costs, improve health and safety, enhance “Greening”
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:
Western currently uses the OECM contract for these products.
"OECM Suppliers must give high priority to environmental issues and implement initiatives to foster sound environmental management through practices that prevent pollution and preserve resources. Suppliers must conduct business in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. Suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental laws, statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, waste disposal (proper handling of toxic and hazardous waste), air emissions and pollution, to ensure that they meet all legal requirements and strive to prevent or mitigate adverse effects on the environment with a long-term objective of continual improvement."
https://oecm.ca/suppliers/supplier-code-of-conduct
Furthermore, The Western University, Sustainable Procurement Guidelines, outlines the following recommendations:
- Purchase products that contain post-consumer recycled content.
- Opt for refillable and reusable items for longevity.
- Purchase biodegradable or compostable products.
- Look for non-toxic or water based inks, correction fluids and glues.
- Choose items that are rechargeable.
- Plan ahead to reduce the number of orders made.
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:
During the RFP process, Western requires that all applicants answer questions regarding Sustainability.
The Western University, Sustainable Procurement Guidelines, outline the following recommendations:
- Allocate furniture from the Asset Disposal Program.
- Buy used if possible.
- Purchase locally manufactured and Canadian made products when economically feasible.
- Select furniture that consists of natural fibres and materials.
- Ensure furniture is made of FSC certified wood products.
- Choose PVC free furniture.
- Look for furniture that doesn’t emit VOCs and CFCs.
- Purchase products with post-consumer recycled content.
- Check for ergonomic options.
- Ensure furniture is modular and adaptable.
Additionally, be sure to look for GreenGuard, Crade to Cradle and SCS certifications.
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:
During the RFP process, Western requires that all applicants answer questions regarding Sustainability. Current vendors must be EPAT registered, at a SILVER level and must provide the following information:
- Active Environmental Policy Statement
- ISO 14000 certification or other Environmental Management System (EMS)
- reduce or eliminate hazardous and toxic substances in their production process
- Packaging is designed to minimize waste
- Recycled materials are used to produce the packaging
- minimal, reusable and/or recyclable packaging of products
Additionally, The Western University, Sustainable Procurement Guidelines, outline the following recommendations:
Looking for environmentally friendly features among computers, cell phones and other electronics may not be as intuitive as other items being purchased on a more regular basis; however, the following sections can guide more energy efficient and ‘greener’ choices.
Preparing to Buy
•Find items in the office that can be used instead of purchasing new.
•When purchasing, try to buy used.
•Select PVC free products.
•Look for items made with reduced hazardous materials and substances.
•Opt for energy efficient models and chargers.
•Look for durability and long lasting products.
•Check for items made with post-consumer recycled material.
•Choose products with minimal packaging, recyclable packaging, or packaging that can be re-used.
Look for these Labels:
-EPEAT
-RoHS Compliant
-Energy Star
Preferred Suppliers: Dell Canada, Compudata Systems, Stronghold Services.
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:
During the RFP process, Western requires that all applicants answer questions regarding Sustainability. Criteria includes various sustainable attributes such as the location of production facility and distance to the Western Campus (the shorter the distance the better) to help reduce carbon emissions, the amount of packaging that a product requires or comes with and the type of packaging ie. Sustainable/ecofriendly, the best practices used by a manufacturer to help reduce carbon emissions during the production of their product, the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, health/wellness/diversity initiatives and equity amongst their staffing compliment, the use of renewable resources during the production of the product, best practices in animal husbandry and slaughter when considering animal protein vendors, preference given to vendors that offer some plant-based options.
Sustainability criteria considered in the RFP can be reviewed here:
https://hospitalityservices.uwo.ca/products.cfm
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:
During the RFP process, Western requires that all applicants answer questions regarding Sustainability.
These have included the following criteria:
- uniforms are manufactured and the country of origin for all materials used in the manufacture of the uniforms.
- follow Ethical Apparel Procurement Guidelines, provide detailed information that outlines the labour standards used in the manufacturing of your company's garments, and provide a copy of your company's guidelines.
In order to ensure sustainability and fair labour practices, Western prefers Proponents to have a robust environmental and documented ethical business practices for their company and manufacturing facilities. Provide information as to your company's sustainability initiatives that ensures the finished goods are ethically sourced, produced and packaged.
Companies must show how fair labour practices are controlled and monitored.
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:
During the RFP process, Western requires that all applicants answer questions regarding Sustainability.
The RFP for Professional Services – Private Equity Consultant included the following criteria:
Is your firm involved in initiatives focused on responsible and sustainable investment? Please provide examples.
Do you measure the carbon footprint or any ESG characteristics of your portfolios and/or researched managers?
Do you have carbon footprint targets for your portfolios and/or researched managers and do you measure progress against any targets?
Do you provide any specific ESG reporting to your clients?
Please discuss how you integrate ESG factors into your due diligence process and how you engage general partners on the topic.
Western University is committed to high standards of ethical, legal, environmental and professional behavior by its members when carrying out their responsibilities and managing the resources entrusted to them.
You can read Western's published Ethical Procurement Practices here:
Also see https://www.uwo.ca/finance/procurement/ethical_procurement_practices.html
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.