| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.50 |
| Liaison | Derek Nichols |
| Submission Date | May 17, 2022 |
University at Buffalo
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.50 / 3.00 |
Dalton
Holler Buyer Procurement Services |
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 State University of New York Green Purchasing Policy:
New York State Executive Order 4 establishes the New York State "Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program," to promote policies within state agencies and authorities that reduce the consumption of materials and energy and reduce potential impacts on public health and the environment. As a result, SUNY is required, where applicable, to purchase environmentally-friendly commodities, services and technology and develop sustainability and stewardship programs.
https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/executive-order-4-approved-specifications
The SUNY-wide Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program:
This program of the State University of New York strives to assure that MWBE firms around New York State are given equal opportunities to conduct business with all SUNY campuses in various fields including construction, construction consultants, commodities and consultant/services. UB strongly encourages the purchase of supplies, commodities and services from Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprises, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses, and preferred sources.
In addition, UB follows the SUNY System's anti-sweatshop policy and a corresponding anti-sweatshop procedure (we were implementing this prior to the SUNY mandate). This policy and procedure are enforced on an ongoing basis, especially with apparel and sports equipment purchases originating from Athletics and Recreation.
The SUNY Anti-Sweatshop Policy (policy #7559) found at and the anti-sweatshop procedure (procedure #7560), governs purchases of apparel, textiles, and sports equipment. In accordance with the procedure, anytime the College or its contractors purchase apparel or sports equipment, vendor is required to complete a Certification of Compliance with Fair Labor Conditions form, certifying that the manufacturing of the items is "done in compliance with all applicable labor and occupational safety laws including but not limited to child labor laws, wage and hour laws and workplace safety laws." http://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=670 http://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=672
New York State Labor Law 220 requires that:
* "No laborer, worker or mechanic in the employ of a contractor or subcontractor engaged in the performance of any public work project shall be permitted to work more than eight hours in any day or more than five days in any week, except in cases of extraordinary emergency."
* Traditional construction trades and building services workers receive no less than the prevailing wage and benefits for a particular trade. Prevailing wage rates and schedule are adjusted annually and are based on the location where the work is performed.
* Contractors and subcontractors must keep original payroll records and submit payroll records to UB as evidence of fair pay.
* All contractors must demonstrate evidence that contractors working onsite at UB are covered by workers compensation and disability benefits.
For more information, visit: http://labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/publicwork/PWGeneralProvisions.shtm
http://www.wcb.ny.gov/procurements/rfp-c140392/Attachment_C_-_Forms_and_Info.pdf
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:
The LCCA is used mainly in the construction and operation of the facilities. The State University Construction Fund directives 1B-7 mandate the design of the building for both renovation and construction to adhere to the requirements of Executive Order 88. Section 4c requires a detailed payback analysis of each system with the computer analysis utilizing annualized weather data. Appendix A describes the modeling , the benchmark is ASHRAE 90.1-2010 PRM.
LCCA is also used in operations for utility consumption and use/cost projections.
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:
Yes, in compliance with NYS Executive Order No. 134, the University procures cleaning products having products that minimize potential impacts to users and the environment. Per the executive order, the University purchases environmentally preferred products.
NYS OGS Executive Order No. 134 https://www.ogs.state.ny.us/purchase/spg/pdfdocs/EO134.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:
Yes, the University at Buffalo requires all copy paper, janitorial paper, and other paper supplies to be composed of 100% post-consumer recycled content to the maximum extent possible.
https://www.buffalo.edu/administrative-services/policy1/ub-policy-lib/recycled-paper.html
SUNY Standard contract clauses prohibit the purchase of tropical hardwoods. Typically, wood sourced at UB construction contracts is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Per New York State Executive Order 4, all affected state entity publications shall be printed on 100% post-consumer recycled content paper. Where paper with 100% post-consumer recycled content is not available or does not meet the required form, function and utility, paper procurements shall use post-consumer recycled content to the extent practicable. Non-recycled content shall be derived from a sustainably-managed renewable resource and certified as such through an appropriate third-party certification program recognized by the paper industry, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) to the extent practicable unless the cost of the product is not competitive. To the maximum extent practicable and whenever feasible, affected state entities shall apply these standards to other printed items such as brochures, envelopes, letterheads, business cards, and forms. In addition, affected state entities are encouraged to print publications and other printed items on processed chlorine free (PCF) paper to the maximum extent practicable.
A recycled paper logo or the words “Printed on Recycled Paper” shall be printed on all affected state entity publications printed on recycled paper.
Duplexing and Reporting of Paper Use:
All affected state entity publications shall be printed on two sides to the maximum extent practicable.
All contracts for printing shall require the contractor to report to the ordering entity on the invoice the amount of paper used by weight or volume of finished product.
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:
The university procures most of our furniture and furnishings under New York State Office of General Services (OGS) contracts. OGS contract specifications for furniture can be found here: https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/furniture
On August 26, 2009, Article 4-C of New York State's Public Buildings Law was passed mandating that the construction and substantial renovation of state buildings comply with “green” building standards. The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) is obligated to promulgate rules and regulations establishing the construction requirements and procedures necessary to implement Article 4-C. While the Act took effect immediately, the agency green building construction requirements took effect on August 26, 2010.
https://ogs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2018/08/psnys-procurement-guidelines.pdf
The State University Construction Fund (SUCF) manages the majority of non-residential major construction and renovation projects on campus. SUCF Directive I1B issued in December 2013 includes the following LEED requirements:
a) Design and construct the project to comply with the criteria for a Silver rating per the USGBC LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system. At the request of the SUCF a higher rating of Gold or Platinum may be required.
b) Register the project with USGBC, and allow the SUCF and the Campus access.
c) Certification of the project by USGBC may be required and will be decided by the SUCF based on the request of the Campus.
http://www.sucf.suny.edu/pdf/dir/1B-7.pdf
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) manages all major renovation and new construction residence hall projects. DASNY promotes and supports sustainable design approaches and construction practices. Initial programming meetings for every project shall define specific sustainable goals which will be included in all discussions, including those determining budget and scheduling. In addition, as of January 1, 2008, all projects that are new construction, addition, or significant renovation shall include a goal of LEED Silver and shall be fully submitted to the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for a rating review.
https://www.dasny.org/services/sustainability/green-policy-construction
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:
NYS's GreenNY procurement specifications set guidelines for computers and displays. These specifications include environmental performance, packaging, disclosure and recycling guidelines. The full specification text can be found here: https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/computers-and-displays
The University only uses industry leaders and reputable manufacturers such as Dell, HP and Apple. The NYS Aggregate buy only includes products of EPEAT Gold or higher rating.
https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny-purchasing-requirements-and-tools
https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/computers-and-displays
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:
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:
SUNY Anti-Sweatshop Policy Doc. 7559
https://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=670
SUNY Anti-Sweatshop Procedure Doc. 7560
https://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=672
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:
Yes, the University uses local disadvantaged, local, community based service providers whenever possible.
UB follows the State University Construction Fund (CF )and SUNY's guidance regarding procuring architectural and engineering contracts, and this guidance includes factors such as energy conservation, indoor environmental quality, accessibility, and other sustainability factors.
CF and contractors hired to provided professional services (e.g., architectural, engineering) are required to comply with Directive 1B-2 Net Zero Carbon New Buildings and Deep Energy Retrofits of Existing Buildings and Directivtive 1B-7 Sustainability, LEED and Executive Orders,
https://www.sucf.suny.edu/pdf/dir/1B-2.pdf
https://www.sucf.suny.edu/pdf/dir/1B-7.pdf
The Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program of the State University Construction Fund works to assure that MWBE firms are provided the opportunity to share in construction, professional services and supplier opportunities offered by the Fund.
https://www.sucf.suny.edu/mwbe/
http://www.buffalo.edu/administrative-services/information-for-suppliers/supplier-diversity-program.html
http://www.buffalo.edu/administrative-services/policy1/ub-policy-lib/supplier-diversity-program.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:
Under New York State Executive Order 4, Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program (https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/executive-order-4-approved-specifications) there are 11 approved specifications in the transportation category such as for pavement sealer, road salts, pavement marking paint, passenger cars, lubricating oils and more.
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.