Colorado State University
OP-16: Life Cycle Cost Analysis

The Environmentally Responsible Purchasing Policy at CSU states: "Environmentally Responsible Purchasing [at CSU] takes into consideration both the long- and short-term costs associated with the full life cycle of the product. The life cycle includes extraction, production, manufacturing, distribution, operation, maintenance, and disposal... [CSU] Considers all the phases of a product’s life cycle when determining its cost and environmental impact." Procurement Services incorporates environmentally beneficial specifications in competitive solicitations. We do have the ability to conduct competitive procurement which include environmental requirements and Colorado State University Policy #5-6010-003 allows a five percent preference for the purchase of environmentally preferable products. In some cases, the preference may exceed five percent if a cost of ownership life cycle analysis establishes that long term savings will result. The Policy also includes specific recommendations on specific kinds of purchases based on LCA. For example; "Flat Screen monitors: While these monitors contain some hazardous materials, they are considered significantly less of a hazard than CRT monitors. Flat screen monitors typically have a longer lifespan than their CRT counterparts. In addition, they use less energy thereby reducing their life cycle environmental impact."