Help me be Green

Environmental Purchasing Criteria for Products and Services
The Purchasing Department has identified and recommends the following criteria and strategies for the procurement of green products and services. In the development of the Rutgers Purchasing contracts the following recommended criteria is utilized. These recommendations and criteria include:

Resource Use and Recycling

• Does production/ extraction of the product cause ecological damage, such as loss of habitats or damage to threatened species? Are there alternatives?
• Is this a remanufactured product?
• Can the product be re-used, refilled, recharged or reconditioned to extend its life?
• Can the item be easily upgraded by adding or replacing a part?
• Does the product have a recycled content? What percentage?
• Is the product accredited with a recognized environmental standard?
• Can the product be recycled easily (in the workplace and/or local community)?
• Is it essential to buy the product - can it be leased or rented?

Hazardous content

• Is the product or are its components hazardous to humans and/or the wider environment? If yes, what are the health and safety implications and disposal requirements? Are there any non-hazardous alternatives available?
• Are technical data sheets available?

Energy

• Does the item use energy? (e.g. electrical appliances, equipment, machinery, space heating or vehicles).
• If so, is the item as energy efficient as the alternatives?
• Does the item have energy consumption data for all operation modes?

Packaging

• Can product packaging be reduced or eliminated?
• Is packaging made of recycled material(s)?
• Can packaging be re-used, recycled or returned?

Food

• Can organically grown produce be purchased?
• Has the food been genetically modified?

Transportation

• Is the product locally manufactured and/or locally supplied?
• Does the supplier have a Green Transportation Plan for their operations?

Supplier Environmental reporting

• Does the supplier have a company Environmental Management System?
• Does the supplier report on their environmental performance against set targets?

Purchasing - Decision Making
In order to implement an effective GP policy and contract development program for Rutgers, the Purchasing Department recommends that the University use a step-by-step approach to increase Rutgers’ purchase of greener goods and services. It is important to raise awareness with both current and new suppliers and link with other Universities and organizations in the same sector.

Here are some recommendations and options:

Focus on products or services within the University that have the greatest environmental impact.

Examine products that would be highly visible within the University; for example, stationery, or University electrical equipment.

Integrate reused, refurbished, remanufactured and recycled-content products into Rutgers’ operations wherever possible.

Use greener products available through Rutgers’ existing suppliers, such as energy saving University equipment and biodegradable cleaning products.

Support local manufacturing efforts by purchasing at least a portion of Rutgers’ recycled products from local manufacturers and establishments where they exist.

Actively encourage suppliers to provide products and services that have a minimum adverse environmental impact, request suppliers to identify harmful processes and materials in their manufacturing processes. Seek suppliers that are working towards the phase out of such practices.

Remember it will not be possible to purchase a green alternative for every product or service. Compromise will be required. It is therefore important to address the significant environmental impacts of Rutgers’ current purchasing process and policy.

Set targets and dates to achieve changes in purchasing practice, (i.e. all paper to be of recycled content throughout the University by next financial quarter).

Work co-operatively with the Rutgers community or other local Colleges and Universities to purchase environmentally. Network with these entities and neighboring businesses. It is often possible to buy cheaper in bulk. This can also reduce packaging and transportation impacts.