Appalachian State University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Jennifer
Maxwell Resource Conservation Manager Physical Plant 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:
The following information is included as part of any bid document:
1. RECYCLING AND SOURCE REDUCTION: It is the policy of this State to encourage and promote the purchase of products with recycled content to the extent economically practicable, and to purchase items which are reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic to the extent that the purchase or use is practicable and cost-effective.
We also encourage and promote using minimal packaging and the use of recycled/recyclable products in the packaging of commodities purchased. However, no sacrifice in quality of packaging will be acceptable. The company remains responsible for providing packaging that will protect the commodity and contain it for its intended use.
Companies are strongly urged to bring to the attention of purchasers those products or packaging they offer which have recycled content and that are recyclable.
2. HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES: Pursuant to General Statute 143-48 and Executive Order #150, Appalachian State University invites and encourages participation in this procurement process by businesses owned by minorities, women, disabled, disabled business enterprises and non-profit work centers for the blind and severely disabled.
EXECUTIVE ORDER #50-PRICE-MATCHING PREFERENCE: Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 143-59 (G.S. § 143-59) and Executive Order No. 50 issued by Governor Perdue on February 17, 2010, entitled “Enhanced Purchasing Opportunities for North Carolina Businesses,” a price-matching preference may be given to North Carolina resident bidders on contracts for the purchase of goods.
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:
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:
Appalachian State University's Environmental Services provides a clean, sanitary, and safe environment for the students, faculty, staff, and guests by using the most efficient, sustainable, and cost effective equipment, training, and methods. We strive to do our best for the Appalachian State University family.
Cleaning Green Seal Certified
We strive to use as many Green Seal, EcoLogo, and EPA Design for Environment certified products as possible. Products bearing these logos are certified by an independent non-profit organizations to have met rigorous performance, health, and environmental criteria. In order to meet the highest LEED certification for building maintenance, institutions must spend at least 60% of their budget on Green Seal Certified cleaners. In 2018/2019, 76% of eligible purchases were spent on green cleaners.
Our Goal:
To use products that clean without harming human health--of our customers or our employees--while reducing environmental impacts to our community. Packaging, production methods, emissions, and disposal are some of the many factors we, through Green Seal, EcoLogo and EPA DfE, review before choosing our cleaners.
Link to Green Cleaning Policy: https://facilitiesoperations.appstate.edu/sites/default/files/es-green_cleaning_policy_2014.pdf
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:
Anyone can participate, it’s easy! Whether you are buying goods for the office, or even your home or a friend, finding sustainably sourced products is usually just a keyword and click away. The following guide denotes how to find these products and what to look for when shopping from your favorite suppliers.
General Sustainable Purchasing Tips
Do you really need that or can you avoid the purchase?
Look first for surplus items before ordering new items.
Does another department have a surplus of this product they are willing to share?
Does another department have this product but they are not using it?
Can the existing product be economically and sustainably refurbished?
Is a used version of the product available? Consider purchasing used or remanufactured products whenever practical and cost effective without compromising safety, quality or performance.
What to Look for in a Product
Environmentally and socially responsible
Made by businesses owned by marginalized groups- HUBs
Durable and built to last
Made from recycled material(s) or material derived from a renewable resource
Made from material that can be fully recycled after use or at end of life
Made with replaceable or repairable parts
Energy and water efficient
Easily disassembled for appropriate recycling at end of life
Be Thoughtful when Purchasing
Order supplies in bulk to reduce deliveries and packaging waste.
Choose sustainable products:
tree free, or at least 50% post-consumer recycled content paper products
Energy Star rated tech and appliances
Organic or recycled content fabrics for shirts and uniforms.
Recycled or refillable ink and toner cartridges.
Request minimum packaging necessary and maximize recycling from suppliers
Support local and marginalized vendors — Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs)
Utilize App State’s online marketplace (Yo-Mart, Central Warehouse).
Sustainable Event Planning
Utilize the Office of Sustainability GreenSuite Program to plan your events sustainably. This will minimize waste, support sustainable products and provide cost-effective solutions for your event.
Establish sustainable event goals to prevent unnecessary waste, such as bring your own bottle (BYOB).
Go digital! Utilize digital flyers and QR codes to promote the event on social media and for sharing purposes. This will prevent unnecessary paper usage.
Procure reusable decorative items for future use.
Source merchandise that is ethically and environmentally responsible and able to be reused for future events.
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:
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:
Appalachian State University’s standards for computer purchasing meet EPEAT standards. All recommended computers are EPEAT Gold Certified. EPEAT®-registered products meet strict environmental criteria. From fewer toxins in manufacturing, to efficient operation and easier recycling, EPEAT-registered products offer a reduced environmental impact across their life cycles.
IT Support Services manages electronic waste through donation to E2D and Kramden Institute in order to refurbish spent equipment, eliminate the digital divide and provide computer capabilities to those in need right here in NC. These programs also provide training and employment opportunities for high school students, introducing them to the IT industry.
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:
SUSTAINABLE DINING
Sourcing from local producers not only provides healthy choices, but it helps build community and support the local economy. Serving mostly egetarian/vegan (plant-based) options, and considering locally grown and organic options will further reduce the carbon footprint of your event With any event, it is important to try to meet everyone’s needs, so provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options so that those who have dietary restrictions can still enjoy the event.
Choose plant based vegetarian or vegan options, low carbon healthy choices: https://dining.appstate.edu/dining/dining-facilities-menus/terra-verde
Serve primarily vegetarian/vegan (plant-based) options and use signage to explain these choices
Consider locally grown and organic options to further reduce the carbon footprint: https://dining.appstate.edu/sustainability
Offer special dietary restrictions food options – Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free, lactose intulerant.
Serve fruits and vegetables that are in season.
Have participants register for meals rather than “just show up”to reduce cost and resource minimization.
If there are leftover foods, donate them to those in need, rather than letting them go to waste.
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:
HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES: Pursuant to General Statute 143-48 and Executive Order #150, Appalachian State University invites and encourages participation in this procurement process by businesses owned by minorities, women, disabled, disabled business enterprises and non-profit work centers for the blind and severely disabled.
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 stated preference for clean and renewable technologies:
This fall (2023), the Appalachian State University Police Department placed its first two electric patrol vehicles in service — among the first for North Carolina police departments. The department plans to gradually replace its gas-powered patrol cars with electric vehicles (EVs), a strategic move to reduce carbon emissions and cut costs.
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.