Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 70.78
Liaison Julia Carlow
Submission Date July 25, 2024

STARS v2.2

American University of Sharjah
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.50 / 3.00 Julia Carlow
Acting Head of Sustainability
Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1. Institution-wide sustainable procurement policies

Does the institution have written policies, guidelines, or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across multiple commodity categories institution-wide?:
Yes

A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
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Part 2. Life Cycle Cost Analysis 

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:

AUS Campus Development focused on energy and cost efficiency during recent renovation projects, using a LCCA approach. These initiatives prioritized the use of green building materials to minimize environmental impact while implementing energy-efficient design principles to reduce consumption and enhance indoor comfort. From improving building thermal efficiency to upgrading cooling and water systems and implementing efficient air distribution controls, AUS has integrated eco-friendly upgrades across its infrastructure. The tangible outcomes of these efforts are reflected in significant annual energy savings and reductions in CO2 emissions. Notably, the Student Center saw a remarkable reduction in building cooling capacity, resulting in substantial energy savings and a corresponding decrease in CO2 emissions.

 

Quoted from AUS Annual Report 23/24, page 46

https://info.aus.edu/hubfs/AUS%20Annual%20Report%202023-2024.pdf

 


Part 3. Product-specific sustainability criteria

To count, the criteria must address the specific sustainability challenges and impacts associated with products and/or services in each category, e.g. by requiring or giving preference to multi-criteria sustainability standards, certifications and labels appropriate to the category. Broader, institution-wide policies should be reported in Part 1, above. 

Chemically intensive products and services

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services?:
Yes

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

AUS commits to minimizing the use of harmful chemicals in its campus operations where possible.


Consumable office products

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating consumable office products?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:

AUS commits to prioritizing the use of FSC certified office paper, rechargeable batteries and recyclable toner cartridges where possible.


Furniture and furnishings

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

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:

AUS commits to prioritizing the purchase of furnishings that are low-VOC or free of flame retardants where possible.


Information Technology (IT) and equipment

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) and equipment?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:

AUS commits to prioritizing energy efficient IT equipment with a preference for ENERGY STAR, TCO Certified, Blue Angel, or EPEAT registered products where possible as the specs are determined by IT team.


Food service providers

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food service providers?:
Yes

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:

AUS commits to requiring its dining service contractors to comply with UAE labor law while operating on AUS campus and to uphold the principles as set out in the AUS Single Use Plastics Ban where possible.


Garments and linens 

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:

AUS commits to work with its clothing suppliers to meet the standards as outlined in the AUS vendor code of conduct.


Professional service providers

Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional service providers?:
No

A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
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Transportation and fuels

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

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

AUS commits to minimizing travel and transport where possible and to opt for fuel efficient and low-emissions vehicles where possible.


Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable procurement program 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:
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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.