Policy Title

Sustainable Procurement

Statement

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Scope

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Policy Number:8.1.1
Effective Date:12/01/2012
Date Reviewed: 05/01/2013
Last Review Date:
Responsible Official: Procurement ServicesSustainability Committee
Responsible Office:
Contact Information:


Definitions

1.0 Specific meanings of bold terms seen throughout this policy can be found within the University's policy definition glossary by following the link below.

1.1 http://www.winthrop.edu/policy-definitions-glossary

The purpose of this policy is to support the statewide Green Purchasing Initiative per the SC Senate Bill 1497 by purchasing products that minimize the harmful effects of their use and final disposition upon the environment. Winthrop University recognizes that the purchasing decisions of our employees can make a difference in favor of environmental quality. We prefer the purchase of environmentally preferable products whenever they perform satisfactorily and are available at a reasonable price.

A. Whenever practicable, Winthrop University personnel will purchase recycled and environmentally preferable products. Personnel can utilize the State of SC Fuide for Recycled Products when possible.


B. Winthrop University should promote the use of recycled and other environmentally preferable products by publicizing its procurement program.


C. The Univesity's Procurement Department will make every effort to secure contracts with vendors that are environmentally conscientious.


D. Winthrop University will procure environmentally preferable products and services where criteria have been established by governmental or other widely recognized authorities (e.g. Energy Star, EPA Eco Purchasing Guidelines).


E. Winthrop will integrate environmental factors into the University's buying decisions where external authorities have not established criteria.


F. Examples of preferable practices or products:

Compact fluorescent lamps (Energy Star Seal on package)

Made of recycled materials, maximizing post-consumer content

Durable, as opposed to single use or disposable items

Non-toxic or minimally toxic, preferably biodegradable

Highly energy efficient in production and use

Manufactured in an environmentally sound, sustainable manner by companies with good environmental track records

Cause minimal or no environmental damage during normal use or maintenance

Shipped with minimal packaging (consistent with care of the product), preferably made of recycled and/or recyclable materials

Recycled paper and paper products

Re-refined lubrication and hydraulic oils

Energy Star electric appliances

EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) Silver or Gold registered desktop computers, laptops, and monitors

Re-crushed cement concrete aggregate and asphalt

Cement and asphalt concrete containing glass cullet, recycled fiber, plastic, or tire rubber

Remanufactured tires and products made from recycled tire rubber

Green Seal (TM) cleaning products

Energy saving products

Waste-reduced products

Water-saving products

Office supplies (marked with environmental sign)

Replacing disposables with reusables or recyclables

Taking into account life cycle costs and benefits

Evaluating, as appropriate, the environmental performace of vendors in providing products and services


G. This policy will be reviewed annually by the Sustainability Committee and the Office of Procurement Services.

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