| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.78 |
| Liaison | Amber Saxton |
| Submission Date | Sept. 1, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
George Mason University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Mary
Liang Sustainability Analyst Sustainability |
Does the institution have written policies, guidelines or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across commodity categories institution-wide?:
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
George Mason University (Mason) has Green Purchasing Guidelines. Additionally, Mason is a state institution of higher education within Virginia and as such follows and implements Executive Orders enacted by the Governor of Virginia. Executive Order 20 (2014): Advancing Equity for Small, Women, and Minority Owned Businesses addresses strategies to advance race- and gender- neutral businesses.
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:
In 2013, George Mason University (Mason) incorporated Environmental Standards into its Design Information Manual. This document provides guidance on Mason's environmental goals, priorities, and minimum requirements for teams building or renovating on Mason's campuses. Within sections 1.5 and 3.4 of that document, it states that the university expects its Design Teams will propose practices, technologies, and designs that are based on life cycle cost analysis and support efforts to mitigate Mason’s current and future impact on the natural environment.
Mason Facilities manages the planning, construction, operations, and maintenance of all of Mason's campuses and increasingly employs life cycle cost analysis in its decision making process that incorporates first costs and costs for operating and maintaining the products through its life cycle.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services (e.g. building and facilities maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing, landscaping and grounds maintenance)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
Mason employs a green purchasing guideline which specifies cleaning solvents shall be biodegradable, phosphate free and citrus based where their use will not compromise quality of service, such as Green Seal or Safer Choice certified products.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating construction and renovation products (e.g. furnishings and building materials)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for construction and renovation products:
As part of our commitment to climate neutrality, George Mason University has made a commitment to build all new buildings and renovations to a minimum of U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or Virginia Energy Conservation and Environmental Standards (VEES). In Mason's Design Information Manual, it also outlines criteria for sustainable purchasing in construction and renovation projects.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) products and services (e.g. computers, imaging equipment, mobile phones, data centers and cloud services)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for IT products and services:
As stated in Mason's Green Purchasing Guidelines, purchasers will purchase or lease energy efficient products, such as Energy STAR, EPEAT, or Federal Energy Management Program certified products.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food services (i.e. franchises, vending services, concessions, convenience stores)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food services:
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 services (e.g. architectural, engineering, public relations, financial)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:
George Mason University (Mason) is a state institution of higher education within Virginia. As such, Mason follows and implements executive orders enacted by the Governor of Virginia. Executive Order 20 (2014): Advancing Equity for Small, Women, and Minority Owned Businesses that addresses strategies to advance race- and gender- neutral businesses. Where it is practicable for any portion of the awarded contract to be subcontracted to other suppliers, the contractor is encouraged to offer such subcontracting opportunities to small businesses.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels (e.g. travel, vehicles, delivery services, long haul transport, generator fuels, steam plants)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
George Mason University's has a vehicle use policy which covers all the golf carts utilized on campus. The Procedure for Motorized Utility Vehicles (MUVs) requires only electric-powered MUVs should be purchased, unless prior authorization is granted due to specific needs. The policy can be found at: http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Policy-1131-MUV-Procedures1.pdf
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating wood and paper products?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for wood and paper products:
As part of George Mason University's Green Purchasing Guidelines, 30% post-consumer recycled paper is the standard for all applications where quality of service or the health and safety of employees is not compromised.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating products and services in other commodity categories that the institution has determined to have significant sustainability impacts?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for other commodity categories:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Information is from FY17.
Information is from FY17.
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.