| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.35 |
| Liaison | Andrew Porter |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2023 |
University of Cincinnati
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.50 / 3.00 |
Andrew
Porter Director Planning + Design + Constuction |
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 University of Cincinnati recognizes its role as a leader in environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic prosperity. As part of this work it seeks to incorporate the concept of sustainability into its academic, administrative and research programs. Leadership in the administrative units of the university contribute to sustainability efforts through their areas of responsibility such as auxiliary operations, architecture, construction, grounds-keeping, building maintenance, purchasing and transportation, fleet management.
UC Central Purchasing encourages preference to environmentally friendly products whose quality, function, and cost are equal to or better than more traditional products.
See https://www.uc.edu/about/admin-finance/purchasing/suppliers.html
and
https://www.uc.edu/about/admin-finance/planning-design-construction/sustainability/campus-initiatives/purchasing.html
UC’s Supplier Diversity program was established to create a welcoming environment where qualified minority, women-owned, economically and socially disadvantaged vendors have an opportunity to compete for the university’s business. For more information, see
https://www.uc.edu/about/admin-finance/purchasing/diversity.html
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:
As part of UC's commitment to doing all new construction on campus LEED Silver or better, capital procurement of heating and water systems for campus buildings are analyzed according to both life-cycle cost and life-cycle environmental impact. The institution has a practice of continuously reviewing its use of energy and water to identify opportunities for improvement.
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:
UC's has had a robust Green Cleaning policy for more than decade. It is reviewed and updated regularly. The policy commits UC Facilities to "Using cleaning chemicals that meet or exceed the requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Rating System (LEEDEBOM) including those from Green Seal and Environmental Choice, and are concentrated with appropriate dilution systems to minimize chemical use wherever possible." More specific criteria for different types of cleaning chemicals are provided in the policy; see https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/af-62/facilities-utilities/Green%20Cleaning%20Policy%202023.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, UC specifies a preference for, and directs departments to give preferential selection to, Energy Star lamps/bulbs and FSC certified office paper.
https://www.uc.edu/about/admin-finance/purchasing/suppliers.html
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:
Furniture and furnishing selection must be compatible with, at a minimum, LEED Silver, which is a requirement for all new construction projects at UC. Also, as per UC general sustainable purchasing policy, the university has a stated preference for FSC-certified wood products, including furniture.
https://www.uc.edu/about/admin-finance/purchasing/suppliers.html
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:
UC Central Purchasing directs preference to environmentally friendly products whose quality, function, and cost are equal to or better than more traditional products. For its latest contract computer contract, the University specified a preference for EPEAT certified equipment and selected Dell as its supplier based on their significant sustainability and climate leadership efforts. IT suppliers are asked to identify their corporate sustainability reporting in their bid information, provide ratings and rating entity information for various products offered and to identify ways they will assist the university in increasing its use of sustainable products.
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:
UC directs individual departments to buy garments and linens with certification that sweat shop labor not be used. https://www.uc.edu/about/admin-finance/purchasing/suppliers.html
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:
UC’s Supplier Diversity program was established to create a welcoming environment where qualified minority, women-owned, economically and socially disadvantaged vendors have an opportunity to compete for the university’s business.
In addition, state-certified Minority Business Entrepreneurs (MBEs) are eligible for set-aside programs specifically and solely to be bid upon by minority firms for goods and services.
Finally, UC has a stated preference for goods and services provided by certified members of the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC).
For more see https://www.uc.edu/about/admin-finance/purchasing/diversity.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:
UC's Utilities Master Plan sets a goal of transitioning the UC fleet to EVs by the end of FY24. In addition, UC has the following Fleet Procurement Guidelines (https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/af-62/pdc/sustainability/Fleet%20Policy%202-15-23.pdf):
Along with safety and productivity, UC must prioritize fuel efficiency when selecting vehicles for purchase.
1) Purchase alternative-fuel vehicles or low emissions, and most fuel efficient feasible
2) Replace vehicles with electric alternative when possible
3) The university is required to purchase alternative fuel vehicles in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 13251, which requires such purchase beginning with vehicles received after September 1, 2010.
4) Vehicles purchased by the university after September 1, 2010 are not required to be fueled with alternative fuel, but must be able to use alternative fuel.
5) The alternative fuel mandate only applies to light duty vehicles, up to and including 8500 GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), excluding public safety and automotive research vehicles.
6) Units must purchase flex fuel vehicles capable of using either gasoline or E85 or electricity
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.