PRP 5450 - Green Procurement Policy – Standards and Guidelines

Document History

1. RATIONALE FOR POLICY

This document describes a way in which Bloomsburg University’s procurement decisions are made using multiple criteria. These procurement decisions include economic factors as well as strong commitments towards environmental protection.

2. KEYWORDS

Procurement, Conservation, Environmental Impact, Supplies, Suppliers

3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Bloomsburg University is committed to the use and purchase of environmentally and socially responsible materials and products. Departments are expected to support this policy in accordance with established guidelines and procedures contained in this Green Procurement Policy.

4. POLICY

1. Objectives: It is the objective of Bloomsburg University to support the 3 R’s of waste management, namely Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, and conserve energy and water when purchasing supplies, equipment, and services. In doing so, Bloomsburg University intends to minimize the harmful effects of their use and final disposition upon the environment. Bloomsburg University is committed to actions designed to conserve and protect the environment, and will continue to implement those actions whenever possible and economically feasible. It is the responsibility of Bloomsburg University’s Purchasing Office in conjunction with all Bloomsburg University departments to promote the development and use of environmentally friendly products and services through the following activities:
   
   1.1 Reviewing contracts, bids and specifications for goods and services to ensure that, whenever possible and economical, they are amended to provide for the expanded use of products and services that contain the maximum level of post-consumer reusable or recyclable waste or recyclable content, without significantly affecting the intended use of the product or service.
   
   1.2 Work with the University Community to identify new environmentally friendly products and services as well as improvements/changes in industry standards that may impact the environment.
   
   1.3 Purchasing from suppliers that provide environmentally friendly products and services or suppliers that are environmentally sensitive in their daily operations.
   
   1.4 Seeking new green suppliers.
   
   1.5 Encouraging existing suppliers to review the manner in which their goods are packaged, and working with suppliers in the areas of reduction and reuse of packaging materials.
   
   1.6 Using cost/benefit analysis to arrive at the correct sourcing decision; one that remains environmentally sound, reflects effective purchasing practices and satisfies the requirements of the user department.
   
   1.7 Making suppliers aware of Bloomsburg University’s Green Procurement Policy and sending a clear message that Bloomsburg University will favor those suppliers whose products meet the environmental objectives of Bloomsburg University.
   
   1.8 More specifically, Bloomsburg University, through its strong commitment to environmental protection, will seek to utilize to the fullest extent possible "environmentally friendly" or “green” products which, to whatever extent possible, have the following attributes or qualities:
   1.8.1 Durable, as opposed to single use or disposable items;
   1.8.2 Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content;
   1.8.3 Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably USDA biodegradable products;
   1.8.4 Highly energy efficient in production and use;
   1.8.5 Can be recycled, but if not recyclable, may be disposed of safely;
   1.8.6 Made from raw materials obtained in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner;
   1.8.7 Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by companies with good environmental track records;
   1.8.8 Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or maintenance;
   1.8.9 Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of the product), preferably made of recycled and/or recyclable materials.
2. To develop and maintain a consistent ‘cradle-to-grave’ supply chain and purchasing process which considers economic, ethical, social and environmental impacts for all contracts and purchases; where all waste should first be eliminated or avoided and where any remaining waste be considered feedstock for new product development.
3. To ensure that Bloomsburg University’s contract suppliers maintain and practice global standards of corporate social, ethical and environmental stewardship through the market they serve, including sub-contracted suppliers.
4. To work with suppliers to develop and implement corporate social, ethical and environmental reports for those suppliers who do not have programs in place.
5. To evaluate purchasing of recycled materials and environmentally sound products in the University Bookstores.
6. To conduct on-going research (and develop contracts for) all commodities and services including: paper, packaging, cleaning products, chemicals and devices, batteries, lighting, paints, carpeting, furniture, fabrics, fixtures, photocopying, photo developing, windows, construction contracts/materials, vehicles, motor oil/tires/fuels, appliances, audiovisual equipment, printing and print services.
7. To test the more eco-friendly products with major users on campus for acceptability.