| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 54.15 |
| Liaison | Leslie North |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Western Kentucky University
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.50 / 3.00 |
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:
The following content is included in the University Purchasing Policy, under the heading of Socially Responsible Purchasing:
"In the process of conducting business, the University will incorporate socially responsible purchasing. To the extent permitted by applicable law the University will be supportive of programs and activities that promote the ability of minority, woman and disabled business owners to compete equally for the opportunity to provide goods and services to the University. The University will also actively pursue products, services and activities that promote sustainability of our planet. The University will consider and pursue the safety of individuals and of our environment while conducting all purchasing activities."
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:
LCCA practices are not policy, however they are intrinsic in purchases related to renovation and construction, as WKU's commitment to LEED certification necessitates such considerations. Additionally, our goal to continued energy use reduction through efficiency and conservation strategies require such considerations when purchasing operational or infrastructure equipment (such as HVAC or grounds keeping equipment).
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:
Chemicals are used sparingly on the WKU campus, and criteria are included in contracted services. For example, custodial services uses Green Seal certified products. Grounds keeping uses organic fertilizers and integrated pest management. Pest control is presently out for bid and chemical sensitivity and sustainability are criteria in the RFP.
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:
WKU's commitment to LEED certified building and renovation (stated in our Energy Policy) establishes criteria for construction and renovation products.
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:
WKU Information Technology (IT) offers a Recycled Computer Program, in which employees can purchase refurbished computers to reduce environmental impact and cost.
Additionally, IT purchases on EPEAT certified computers.
Information can be found at:
http://www.wku.edu/it/wku-computer-purchasing/
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:
All of these are covered under WKU's dining services contract with Aramark. Sustainability criteria (local sourcing, waste reduction, etc.) are included in the contract. We are entering into contract renewal, which improves or expands these criteria. Information will be updated on the website soon.
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 services (e.g. architectural, engineering, public relations, financial)?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional services:
This is not comprehensive to all services, however is applicable to many. For example, sustainability criteria are included in both RFPs and contracts for services such as custodial and pest management. Architecture and engineering services are advised of sustainability criteria such as LEED certification commitment.
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:
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:
Paper is required to be 30% recycled content at minimum. Wood products for construction and renovation is sourced to meet LEED requirements.
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:
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:
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.