| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 50.31 |
| Liaison | Amy McElhinney |
| Submission Date | Sept. 29, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Mount Union
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.75 / 3.00 |
Jamie
Greiner Sustainability and Campus Outreach Manager Nature Center |
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:
Responding to the growing need for environmental stewardship and the University’s
commitment for the implementation of sustainable practices, Mount Union has adopted
this Green-Sustainability Purchasing Policy. Green-Sustainability Purchasing is defined
as taking into consideration the impact of products on the environment and human health when making purchasing decisions, giving preference to more environmentally friendly and energy efficient products when quality and cost are equal or superior. Green
purchasing guidelines are a formal set of goals that direct the University’s
implementation of green-sustainability purchasing.
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:
N/A
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:
PURCHASING POLICIES AND GOALS
To maintain a consistent “cradle to grave” supply chain and purchasing process
which considers economic, ethical, social and environmental impacts for all
contracts and purchases.
To integrate green-sustainability purchasing concepts and products into
architectural designs, final construction documents and into the final construction
or renovation of Mount Union buildings.
To utilize environmentally responsible biodegradable solvents and cleaning
supplies whenever practicable as long as quality and performance is not
compromised. Products shall be “Green Seal” certified or “Ecologo” labeled.
To purchase computers (desktop and laptop) that are Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated silver or gold when possible.
To conduct research and procure alternative energy when practicable, from
certified alternative energy suppliers.
To evaluate the purchase of fleet vehicles that utilize alternative fuel and/or
increase the average fuel efficiency of the overall fleet.
To ensure that proper MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are identified in all
purchasing specifications and kept on record as required by OSHA.
To work with suppliers in the area in the areas of reduction and reuse of
packaging materials.
To make suppliers aware of Mount Union’s Green Purchasing Policy sending a
clear message that Mount Union will favor those suppliers whose products meet
the environmental objectives of the University.
More specifically, Mount Union will consider utilizing to the fullest extent
possible, environmentally friendly or green products that have the following
attributes or qualities:
o Durable as opposed to single use or disposable items.
o Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content.
o Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable.
o Highly energy efficient in production and use.
o Recyclable, but if not, may be disposed of safely.
o Made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound,
sustainable manner.
o Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by
companies with good environmental track records.
o Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or
maintenance.
o Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of product).
o Produced locally or regionally to minimize the environmental cost of
shipping and the reduction of emissions during transportation.
Hence forth, Mount Union will give preference to environmentally superior products,
where quality, function and cost are equal or superior. Whenever practicable and
possible, products and packaging materials will contain a prescribed minimum postconsumer recycled content and will be minimized and/or substituted with more
environmentally appropriate alternatives. All products will be chosen based on efficient
use of energy, natural resources and potential for safe, non-hazardous disposal.
Whenever practicable means that the recycle products can perform the function intended at least as well as products from only virgin material, and the cost of the recycle product reasonably approximates the cost of the product produced only from virgin materials. Mount Union will work with give special preference to vendors who are socially and environmentally responsible in adhering to the above principals and guidelines.
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:
PURCHASING POLICIES AND GOALS
To maintain a consistent “cradle to grave” supply chain and purchasing process
which considers economic, ethical, social and environmental impacts for all
contracts and purchases.
To integrate green-sustainability purchasing concepts and products into
architectural designs, final construction documents and into the final construction
or renovation of Mount Union buildings.
To utilize environmentally responsible biodegradable solvents and cleaning
supplies whenever practicable as long as quality and performance is not
compromised. Products shall be “Green Seal” certified or “Ecologo” labeled.
To purchase computers (desktop and laptop) that are Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated silver or gold when possible.
To conduct research and procure alternative energy when practicable, from
certified alternative energy suppliers.
To evaluate the purchase of fleet vehicles that utilize alternative fuel and/or
increase the average fuel efficiency of the overall fleet.
To ensure that proper MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are identified in all
purchasing specifications and kept on record as required by OSHA.
To work with suppliers in the area in the areas of reduction and reuse of
packaging materials.
To make suppliers aware of Mount Union’s Green Purchasing Policy sending a
clear message that Mount Union will favor those suppliers whose products meet
the environmental objectives of the University.
More specifically, Mount Union will consider utilizing to the fullest extent
possible, environmentally friendly or green products that have the following
attributes or qualities:
o Durable as opposed to single use or disposable items.
o Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content.
o Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable.
o Highly energy efficient in production and use.
o Recyclable, but if not, may be disposed of safely.
o Made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound,
sustainable manner.
o Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by
companies with good environmental track records.
o Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or
maintenance.
o Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of product).
o Produced locally or regionally to minimize the environmental cost of
shipping and the reduction of emissions during transportation.
Hence forth, Mount Union will give preference to environmentally superior products,
where quality, function and cost are equal or superior. Whenever practicable and
possible, products and packaging materials will contain a prescribed minimum postconsumer recycled content and will be minimized and/or substituted with more
environmentally appropriate alternatives. All products will be chosen based on efficient
use of energy, natural resources and potential for safe, non-hazardous disposal.
Whenever practicable means that the recycle products can perform the function intended at least as well as products from only virgin material, and the cost of the recycle product reasonably approximates the cost of the product produced only from virgin materials. Mount Union will work with give special preference to vendors who are socially and environmentally responsible in adhering to the above principals and guidelines.
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:
PURCHASING POLICIES AND GOALS
To maintain a consistent “cradle to grave” supply chain and purchasing process
which considers economic, ethical, social and environmental impacts for all
contracts and purchases.
To integrate green-sustainability purchasing concepts and products into
architectural designs, final construction documents and into the final construction
or renovation of Mount Union buildings.
To utilize environmentally responsible biodegradable solvents and cleaning
supplies whenever practicable as long as quality and performance is not
compromised. Products shall be “Green Seal” certified or “Ecologo” labeled.
To purchase computers (desktop and laptop) that are Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated silver or gold when possible.
To conduct research and procure alternative energy when practicable, from
certified alternative energy suppliers.
To evaluate the purchase of fleet vehicles that utilize alternative fuel and/or
increase the average fuel efficiency of the overall fleet.
To ensure that proper MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are identified in all
purchasing specifications and kept on record as required by OSHA.
To work with suppliers in the area in the areas of reduction and reuse of
packaging materials.
To make suppliers aware of Mount Union’s Green Purchasing Policy sending a
clear message that Mount Union will favor those suppliers whose products meet
the environmental objectives of the University.
More specifically, Mount Union will consider utilizing to the fullest extent
possible, environmentally friendly or green products that have the following
attributes or qualities:
o Durable as opposed to single use or disposable items.
o Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content.
o Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable.
o Highly energy efficient in production and use.
o Recyclable, but if not, may be disposed of safely.
o Made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound,
sustainable manner.
o Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by
companies with good environmental track records.
o Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or
maintenance.
o Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of product).
o Produced locally or regionally to minimize the environmental cost of
shipping and the reduction of emissions during transportation.
Hence forth, Mount Union will give preference to environmentally superior products,
where quality, function and cost are equal or superior. Whenever practicable and
possible, products and packaging materials will contain a prescribed minimum postconsumer recycled content and will be minimized and/or substituted with more
environmentally appropriate alternatives. All products will be chosen based on efficient
use of energy, natural resources and potential for safe, non-hazardous disposal.
Whenever practicable means that the recycle products can perform the function intended at least as well as products from only virgin material, and the cost of the recycle product reasonably approximates the cost of the product produced only from virgin materials. Mount Union will work with give special preference to vendors who are socially and environmentally responsible in adhering to the above principals and guidelines.
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:
NA
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:
NA
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:
PURCHASING POLICIES AND GOALS
To maintain a consistent “cradle to grave” supply chain and purchasing process
which considers economic, ethical, social and environmental impacts for all
contracts and purchases.
To integrate green-sustainability purchasing concepts and products into
architectural designs, final construction documents and into the final construction
or renovation of Mount Union buildings.
To utilize environmentally responsible biodegradable solvents and cleaning
supplies whenever practicable as long as quality and performance is not
compromised. Products shall be “Green Seal” certified or “Ecologo” labeled.
To purchase computers (desktop and laptop) that are Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated silver or gold when possible.
To conduct research and procure alternative energy when practicable, from
certified alternative energy suppliers.
To evaluate the purchase of fleet vehicles that utilize alternative fuel and/or
increase the average fuel efficiency of the overall fleet.
To ensure that proper MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are identified in all
purchasing specifications and kept on record as required by OSHA.
To work with suppliers in the area in the areas of reduction and reuse of
packaging materials.
To make suppliers aware of Mount Union’s Green Purchasing Policy sending a
clear message that Mount Union will favor those suppliers whose products meet
the environmental objectives of the University.
More specifically, Mount Union will consider utilizing to the fullest extent
possible, environmentally friendly or green products that have the following
attributes or qualities:
o Durable as opposed to single use or disposable items.
o Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content.
o Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable.
o Highly energy efficient in production and use.
o Recyclable, but if not, may be disposed of safely.
o Made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound,
sustainable manner.
o Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by
companies with good environmental track records.
o Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or
maintenance.
o Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of product).
o Produced locally or regionally to minimize the environmental cost of
shipping and the reduction of emissions during transportation.
Hence forth, Mount Union will give preference to environmentally superior products,
where quality, function and cost are equal or superior. Whenever practicable and
possible, products and packaging materials will contain a prescribed minimum postconsumer recycled content and will be minimized and/or substituted with more
environmentally appropriate alternatives. All products will be chosen based on efficient
use of energy, natural resources and potential for safe, non-hazardous disposal.
Whenever practicable means that the recycle products can perform the function intended at least as well as products from only virgin material, and the cost of the recycle product reasonably approximates the cost of the product produced only from virgin materials. Mount Union will work with give special preference to vendors who are socially and environmentally responsible in adhering to the above principals and guidelines.
Supplier Diversity Program - https://portal.mountunion.edu/policies/Documents/Purchasing/Diversity%20Program.pdf
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:
PURCHASING POLICIES AND GOALS
To maintain a consistent “cradle to grave” supply chain and purchasing process
which considers economic, ethical, social and environmental impacts for all
contracts and purchases.
To integrate green-sustainability purchasing concepts and products into
architectural designs, final construction documents and into the final construction
or renovation of Mount Union buildings.
To utilize environmentally responsible biodegradable solvents and cleaning
supplies whenever practicable as long as quality and performance is not
compromised. Products shall be “Green Seal” certified or “Ecologo” labeled.
To purchase computers (desktop and laptop) that are Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated silver or gold when possible.
To conduct research and procure alternative energy when practicable, from
certified alternative energy suppliers.
To evaluate the purchase of fleet vehicles that utilize alternative fuel and/or
increase the average fuel efficiency of the overall fleet.
To ensure that proper MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are identified in all
purchasing specifications and kept on record as required by OSHA.
To work with suppliers in the area in the areas of reduction and reuse of
packaging materials.
To make suppliers aware of Mount Union’s Green Purchasing Policy sending a
clear message that Mount Union will favor those suppliers whose products meet
the environmental objectives of the University.
More specifically, Mount Union will consider utilizing to the fullest extent
possible, environmentally friendly or green products that have the following
attributes or qualities:
o Durable as opposed to single use or disposable items.
o Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content.
o Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable.
o Highly energy efficient in production and use.
o Recyclable, but if not, may be disposed of safely.
o Made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound,
sustainable manner.
o Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by
companies with good environmental track records.
o Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or
maintenance.
o Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of product).
o Produced locally or regionally to minimize the environmental cost of
shipping and the reduction of emissions during transportation.
Hence forth, Mount Union will give preference to environmentally superior products,
where quality, function and cost are equal or superior. Whenever practicable and
possible, products and packaging materials will contain a prescribed minimum postconsumer recycled content and will be minimized and/or substituted with more
environmentally appropriate alternatives. All products will be chosen based on efficient
use of energy, natural resources and potential for safe, non-hazardous disposal.
Whenever practicable means that the recycle products can perform the function intended at least as well as products from only virgin material, and the cost of the recycle product reasonably approximates the cost of the product produced only from virgin materials. Mount Union will work with give special preference to vendors who are socially and environmentally responsible in adhering to the above principals and guidelines.
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:
PURCHASING POLICIES AND GOALS
To maintain a consistent “cradle to grave” supply chain and purchasing process
which considers economic, ethical, social and environmental impacts for all
contracts and purchases.
To integrate green-sustainability purchasing concepts and products into
architectural designs, final construction documents and into the final construction
or renovation of Mount Union buildings.
To utilize environmentally responsible biodegradable solvents and cleaning
supplies whenever practicable as long as quality and performance is not
compromised. Products shall be “Green Seal” certified or “Ecologo” labeled.
To purchase computers (desktop and laptop) that are Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rated silver or gold when possible.
To conduct research and procure alternative energy when practicable, from
certified alternative energy suppliers.
To evaluate the purchase of fleet vehicles that utilize alternative fuel and/or
increase the average fuel efficiency of the overall fleet.
To ensure that proper MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are identified in all
purchasing specifications and kept on record as required by OSHA.
To work with suppliers in the area in the areas of reduction and reuse of
packaging materials.
To make suppliers aware of Mount Union’s Green Purchasing Policy sending a
clear message that Mount Union will favor those suppliers whose products meet
the environmental objectives of the University.
More specifically, Mount Union will consider utilizing to the fullest extent
possible, environmentally friendly or green products that have the following
attributes or qualities:
o Durable as opposed to single use or disposable items.
o Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content.
o Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable.
o Highly energy efficient in production and use.
o Recyclable, but if not, may be disposed of safely.
o Made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound,
sustainable manner.
o Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by
companies with good environmental track records.
o Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or
maintenance.
o Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of product).
o Produced locally or regionally to minimize the environmental cost of
shipping and the reduction of emissions during transportation.
Hence forth, Mount Union will give preference to environmentally superior products,
where quality, function and cost are equal or superior. Whenever practicable and
possible, products and packaging materials will contain a prescribed minimum postconsumer recycled content and will be minimized and/or substituted with more
environmentally appropriate alternatives. All products will be chosen based on efficient
use of energy, natural resources and potential for safe, non-hazardous disposal.
Whenever practicable means that the recycle products can perform the function intended at least as well as products from only virgin material, and the cost of the recycle product reasonably approximates the cost of the product produced only from virgin materials. Mount Union will work with give special preference to vendors who are socially and environmentally responsible in adhering to the above principals and guidelines.
Although not specifically named, wood and paper are part of this purchasing policy.
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:
NA
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 from Policies website.
Information from Policies website.
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.