Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 57.29
Liaison Jennifer Kleindienst
Submission Date Dec. 1, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Wesleyan University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 3.00 Olga Bookas
Purchasing Director
Finance and Administration
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have written policies, guidelines or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across commodity categories institution-wide?:
No

A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
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The policies, guidelines or directives:
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Does the institution employ Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) when evaluating energy- and water-using products and systems?:
Yes

Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
Institution employs LCCA less comprehensively, e.g. for certain types of systems or projects and not others

A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:

Wesleyan works with Trane to evaluate energy projects based on the total cost of ownership. Final decisions on which projects to pursue are based on upfront cost, maintenance costs, and product availability. LCCA is also conducted for large projects and new construction.


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)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:

Wesleyan’s contract with Sun Services prohibits petroleum-based cleaners, polishes, and dressings or cleaning materials that leave an oily residue. The contract also specifies products that are Green Seal certified unless an alternate product has been approved. Sun Services uses products manufactured by Diversey, which are all Green Seal Certified and may also carry EcoLogo or GREENGUARD certifications.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating construction and renovation products (e.g. furnishings and building materials)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for construction and renovation products:

A draft green building policy and Facilities directives drive sustainable procurement related to construction and maintenance. A draft procurement policy and Purchasing directives drive sustainable procurement related to office supplies.

A facility assessment checklist was developed to determine existing envelope, finishes, MEP, accessibility, hazardous materials, and furnishings. From this data, project needs can be assessed. The University will develop environmental design objectives for each new building and major renovation utilizing the resources of the design rating system of the United States Green Building Council or an equivalent rating system approved by the State Building Inspector and the Codes and Standards Committee.


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)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for IT products and services:

Wesleyan has pledged to purchase only EPEAT Gold standard computers and monitors.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food services (i.e. franchises, vending services, concessions, convenience stores)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food services:

Wesleyan's dining contract specifies sustainability criteria that must be met.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating garments and linens?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:

Wesleyan is a member of the Worker Rights Consortium.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional services (e.g. architectural, engineering, public relations, financial)?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:
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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)?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:

Facilities requires all new vehicles purchased to be hybrid or electric unless a suitable vehicle is not viable. In that case, the most fuel-efficient vehicle is purchased. Other departments follow this lead.


Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating wood and paper products?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for wood and paper products:

Departments are required to purchase office paper that contains at least 30% recycled content.

Materials and furnishings selected for use in department activities must meet the University’s requirements for adherence to accepted sustainable materials and furnishings. Selections shall be submitted to the department of Facilities or to the purchasing manager for Finance and Administration for determination of adherence.

The most current version of the Proprietary Specifications and Standards shall be referenced for all approved materials and manufacturers. This is a living document and shall be updated as new materials are developed and technology is enhanced. See attached for current list of materials


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?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for other commodity categories:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The Purchasing Office is currently developing formal guidelines that will include environmental and social sustainability criteria.


The Purchasing Office is currently developing formal guidelines that will include environmental and social sustainability criteria.

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.