| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.22 |
| Liaison | Jay Price |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2023 |
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Daniel
Covington Data Analyst and Office Administrator Facilities 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 University of Tennessee System Administration recommends that all UT departments consider environmental sustainability when making purchases. Things to consider when purchasing products include the following: whether or not the item is truly needed, the life cycle of the product, how the product is packaged and shipped, how the item will be disposed of at the end of its life, potential hazards related to the product, and if the product can be sourced locally.
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 University of Tennessee System Administration does not possess a policy that requires any institution in the system, including UTK and UTIA, to employ a Life Cycle Cost Analysis before purchasing. However, the administration does release recommendations for reducing waste by seeking more durable products, prioritizing efficient products products that are made from recycled or reclaimed materials, and products that can be recycled or reclaimed after use.
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:
The UT Systems Administration recommends avoiding the purchase of any material that contains harmful substances and provides recommendations for alternatives to certain types of products. Cleaning products that meet criteria for one or more of the following certification programs are preferred: Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, US EPA Safer Choice, and/or Forest Stewardship Council. Additionally, in accordance with the UTK Landscape Services IPM, only low-hazard chemicals may be used for treatment of landscapes on campus. Landscape Services primarily purchases glyphosate-based products, which are non-toxic to mammals and become inactive when they make contact with soil.
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:
The UT Systems Administration recommends purchasing post-consumer waste recycled content copier paper and/or Forest Stewardship Council(FSC)-certified paper. Recyclable ink/toner cartridges are preferred.
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:
When replacing furniture, if the current furniture is still functional, it is required to be sent to University Surplus instead of recycling or landfill. When purchasing new furniture, the UT Systems Administration recommends purchasing from University Surplus before purchasing from an external entity.
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:
The UT Systems Administration recommends purchasing electronic products that meet Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool(EPEAT) Gold or EPEAT Silver standards. Products that are eligible for EPEAT certification include the following: desktop computers, laptop computers, displays, tablets, TV's, and imaging equipment.
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:
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:
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:
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.